A man who owns an air rifle later allegedly used to threaten a young woman in Herne Bay has been fined.

Canterbury Magistrates Court heard that firearms enthusiast Frank Lambert, 43, took the rifle out of his car and brought it into the Shad curry house in William Street, where he works.

Another man later allegedly pointed the gun into the face of Lambert’s colleague, 19-year-old Sharlotte Russell, on the evening of March 27.

Prosecutor Julie Farbrace said: “Miss Russell had seen Lambert with the weapon and then police were called to the restaurant for another incident.

Lambert said he had simply brought it into work to show colleagues, as he is a member of an air rifle club.”

Lambert, who is of previous good character, admitted possessing an air weapon in a public place.

Emma Wright, defending, said Lambert owned the gun for a lawful purpose and used it at his club.

“He kept the gun in his car, but then took it into work to show colleagues.

“He accepts that for a short time he did not have it for a lawful purpose and made full and frank admissions to this in interview.

“This was a silly error and he regrets it and admits his guilt.

“There’s nothing to indicate any other culpability.”

The court was told that Lambert, who suffers from depression and lives in Newnham Close, Gillingham, had nothing to do with the incident later that evening which saw police called to the restaurant.

Magistrates fined him £150 with £85 court costs and a £20 surcharge.

They also ordered the destruction of the weapon.

Muhim Ahmed, 23, a waiter at the Shad, has appeared in court charged with possessing a firearm with the intent to cause fear or violence.

Prosecutors say he pointed a black Walther CP88 air rifle into the face of Sharlotte Russell on the evening of March 27.

Ahmed, of Devonshire Gardens in Margate, did not enter a plea when he appeared before city magistrates, who transferred the case to Canterbury Crown Court where he is due to appear on April 27.

Ahmed was released on bail with a condition not to contact Miss Russell.