A councillor appeared before a court today accused of being in possession of an offensive weapon, a police-style telescopic truncheon.

Cllr Stephen Beerling (Lib Dem), who represents Fant ward on Maidstone council, is alleged to have committed the offence on March 19 during an incident in Peel Street, Maidstone, where he lives.

Beerling, 52, is to appear before the town's magistrates again on Friday, May 30, when a crown court date is due to be set. He remains on unconditional bail.