NORWICH – A Norwich man accused of shooting two people was thrown back into jail Friday without bail after he allegedly attempted to purchase a firearm.

Lee M. Bush, 49, Court Street, took the stand at the Friday morning bail hearing to tell the court that he was “joking” when he asked to buy a shotgun for $200 from his childhood acquaintance, James Donnelly, 48, of Smyrna.

“I jokingly asked him for a shotgun. I was kidding,” said Bush, who later added, “I lost my head and was being a fool.”

Donnelly testified at the hearing and told the court he had sold some guns to Bush years earlier, saying, “I wouldn’t do it again because I don’t think he can have a gun, myself personally.”

Donnelly affirmed repeatedly on the stand that Bush was not joking. “I’ve known him too long to know when he’s serious and not serious,” he said.

Bush’s attorney Aaron A. Dean said he “understood the District Attorney’s concern,” in his closing statements.