Man charged with having imitation gun at pub gig

Panic spread through a packed pub after a man allegedly pulled out an imitation gun and began waving it around.

A 28-year-old Ashford man was arrested and charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Armed police stormed The Druids Arms in Maidstone just after midnight on Saturday where five-piece group Contraband had been playing a gig.

Aleksej Mironov, of White Willow Close in Ashford, made a brief appearance via video link at Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he was remanded to appear again on Friday, October 9 at the crown court.

Contraband lead singer Kerry Lawrence said: ““It happened during our very last song.

“We got one of the guys to alert the bar staff and continued playing so we didn’t create a panic.”

Armed police officers quickly apprehended a man at the scene, and the weapon was found to be a replica.

A spokesman for the Druid’s Arms said: “Thanks to the support of our neighbouring businesses and the quick actions of our team, we were able to contain the situation and for our customers it was business as usual.” The boss of a lettings agency, with offices in Ashford and Herne Bay, has admitted carrying out £5,500 worth of frauds.

Company director Keith Martin, 51, runs a franchise for Seekers UK in the two towns.

Now Canterbury Crown Court has heard how he posed as clients to release funds under a scheme designed to protect tenant’s deposits.

Martin, of St Peters Street, Canterbury, and Seekers UK each admitted eight charges of fraud and engaging in a banned commercial practice in 2013 and 2014.

Others charges of fraud and money laundering, which were denied, are expected to be ordered to be left on the file.

Sentencing was adjourned for a month while probation reports are prepared on Martin, who is believed to still be running his business.

Martin’s LinkedIn profile says he is CEO of Seekers UK Ltd and received a degree from the Open University.

Martin admitted posing as clients to release funds held under the Deposit Protection Service – which is designed to protect tenants’ deposits.

The money held by the DPS can