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.