A YOUNG man has walked free from court after a judge cleared him of an alleged firearms offence.

Australian Daniel Hoath, 19, had been accused of being involved in an incident in Orpington High Street in which a shotgun was allegedly pointed out of a moving car.

The event was witnessed by the Mayor of Bromley, Cllr Pauline Tunnicliffe, who gave evidence for the prosecution at Croydon Crown Court.

After legal arguments, Judge Warwick McKinnon directed the jury to return a not guilty verdict on Mr Hoath, of Lloyds Way, Beckenham.

He now plans to return home to Melbourne.

His co-defendants, father and son Colin, 60, and Lewis Blows, 18, remain on trial for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and affray.

Colin Blows, of State Farm Avenue, Farnborough, told the court that the three men had been clay pigeon shooting in Penshurst, near Tunbridge Wells.

He said the guns were broken into three parts, with the stocks and clips in the boot and the two barrells under the front passenger seat.

The Blows, who are on court bail, deny racially abusing and, soon after, pointing the gun at 21-year-old Joseph Francis, on December 10 last year.

Their lawyers say they acted in self defence during an altercation outside The Walnuts Shopping Centre.

The trial continues.