A chimney sweep who allegedly threatened a police officer with a rifle prompting an armed response has appeared in court.

Keith Bell was visited by PC Onweazuka Okwuokei at his home in Ingram Road, Gillingham, at 9am on June 25.

It was at that point, prosecutors claim, the 56-year-old brandished the .22 calibre air rifle.

Armed officers were then called to the scene, which is yards away from Saxon Way Primary School, and a police helicopter was also deployed.

Bell was arrested and found to be in possession of £60 of cannabis and cannabis resin.

He admitted having the Class B drug and at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday was fined £130 and ordered to pay £85 costs. The drugs will be destroyed.

But he denied possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear of violence and will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on August 27.

He was released on bail but on condition that he does not have in his possession in public or private any lethal or non-lethal barrelled weapon.

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