A postman who was so enraged by the arrival of a food delivery van outside his property that he pointed a gun at its lights and threatened to shoot has walked free from court.

Eric Armstrong, of Oak Tree Close, Marden, was accused of threatening to damage property after he pretended to fire the unloaded replica weapon while saying “bing, bing, bing”.

The 60-year-old American told the court it was a fun idea and at no point would he have acted on the threat.

The court heard how the Royal Mail worker, who denied the charge, had been sitting in his front garden at about 9pm one night last September, watching the stars and enjoying a beer, when the Tesco vehicle turned up.

Armstrong, who worked as the village postman for almost a decade, described it as being lit up like ‘something out of Star Wars’ and said its arrival spoiled his peaceful evening.

He asked the driver, Gary Shilling, to turn the lights off and warned him if he didn’t he’d shoot them out.

Mr Shilling, who gave evidence at the Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court trial, said at first he thought Armstrong was joking but when he looked around again the defendant was pointing what looked like a gun at his vehicle.

Armstrong admitted possessing an unlicensed firearm even though he was unaware he needed a certificate for the 19th Century Colt kit gun.

The revolver, which he described as 'like Clint Eastwood's out of the movies', requires documentation due to its modern construction, whereas the genuine gun can be owned without a licence.

District Judge, Justin Barron, found him not guilty of threatening to commit criminal damage and said: “This was a foolish prank that went wrong. What makes it more serious is that you were in possession of a replica firearm at the time.

“However, the character witness statements provided are the best I have ever read and it is clear you are of exemplary character.”

To the charge of possessing a firearm without a licence, Mr Barron gave the defendant a 12-month conditional discharge, ordered him to forfeit the weapon, pay £85 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Speaking after the trial, Armstrong thanked those who had helped him, adding: “I am very happy with the verdict, it takes a weight off my shoulders.”

He was met by rapturous applause at the Unicorn pub in village’s High Street to celebrate that night.