An award winning actor accused of brandishing an imitation gun in a bar is facing a second similar charge.

BAFTA-nominated John McEnery was due to stand trial in the next fortnight on a charge of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence to barmaid Melissa Green at J D Wetherspoon in Faversham.

But an application was made to delay the trial as he has been charged with committing the same offence at Binella Wine and Champagne Bar at Standard Quay in the town a few weeks earlier.

He is alleged to have brandished a water pistol at The Leading Light Wetherspoon’s pub in Preston Street on August 8 last year.

The bearded 73-year-old Shakespearian stage and screen actor, formerly of Wilgate Green Farm Cottages, Faversham, denies the charge.

Jake Taylor, defending, said McEnery denied he was impersonating legendary actor Marlon Brando at the time.

At today's hearing, McEnery also pleaded not guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent at Binella between July 1 and August 8.

Prosecutor Alexia Zimbler said wine bar owner Christopher Baldwin, his partner and staff member Janice Osbourne would give evidence.

Judge Martin Joy set a fresh trial date for the two-week period beginning February 19.

Mr Taylor had asked for the date to be delayed further but the judge insisted: "It seems to me we must get on with this case. It has been going on for so long now."

Miss Zimbler said a second man alleged have produced the same water pistol in the second incident had not yet been charged.

She said the two alleged offences were similar. She said of the second incident: “There is no formal co-defendant yet.”

A warrant backed for bail had been issued on December 22 after McEnery, now of Notting Hill, West London, failed to attend court.

Bail conditions include not entering The Leading Light and not contacting prosecution witnesses.

McEnery was nominated for a BAFTA for his role as Mercutio in Franco Zeffirelli’s 1968 film Romeo And Juliet. The ex-husband of Dynasty star Stephanie Beacham has also appeared in Girl with a Pearl Earring in 2003 and other movie credits include Fury in 1973 and The Krays in 1990.