A MAN who was accused of pointing an airgun at a motorist will not face trial on the charge.

David Sanders had denied the charge of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

But after he admitted a charge of having the weapon in a public place, prosecutors said they would no longer pursue the more serious matter.

The 24-year-old had the airgun on the A419 on September 18 last year, Swindon Crown Court was told.

It had been alleged motorist Steven Young believed it was pointed at him, but Sanders said he was just holding it and spinning it round his finger.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told an earlier hearing he was told the defence would be ‘he was simply twirling the gun rather than actually pointing it at anybody.’ He said that Sanders had an unhealthy interest in weapons as he had cautions for possessing a CS canister and a conviction for having a knuckle duster.

As well as admitting having the gun he also admitted possessing cocaine on the same day as well as having a bladed article.

Sanders, of Glebe Close, Shrivenham, has now admitted all three charges.

Recorder Jeremy Wright adjourned the case to Friday, April 26 to allow the probation service time to compile a pre-sentence report.

He said: “The fact that I am giving you bail, you shouldn’t think that that means anything, all options are going to be open. It is not me that is going to sentence you.”