A MAN has appeared in court accused of brandishing an imitation gun at a member of the public as he rode a bike along Brighton seafront.

Shaun Hartley, 38, is accused of pointing what looked like a gun at a passerby as he rode along Madeira Drive on Saturday.

Appearing before Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday wearing a blue t-shirt Hartley, of South Coast Road Peacehaven did not enter pleas to four charges.

He is accused of possessing the airsoft ball bearing gun in a public place.

He was also charged with possession a of a second imitation firearm, and a lock knife with a 9.5 cm blade, a second lockknife with a 4cm blade, a stanley knife and a quantity of cannabis resin.

Martina Sherlock prosecuting asked for the case to be sent to the crown court adding that the Marina would have been busy at the time.

She said: “The imitation firearm was brandished. At 10.15 on Saturday morning a member of the public called the police having seen a male on a push bike in possession of what he believed to be a firearm.

Hartley was released on bail - with conditions not to be in possession of any other ball bearing guns or to enter Brighton Marina.

He was also ordered to live and sleep at his flat in South Coast Road, Peacehaven and to report to Newhaven Police station twice a week.

He will appear before Lewes Crown Court on October 9.