A 32-year-old man threatened a doorman with an imitation firearm after being refused entry to a pub, a court heard.

Christopher Burgess, of Kynaston Road, Didcot, was jailed for 15 months after he admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear.

Sue Davies, prosecuting, told Oxford Crown Court, that Burgess refused to pay the admission fee when he wanted to enter the Great Western Pub, in Station Road, Didcot, on the evening of January 27, 2001. When the doorman, a Mr Gazi, refused to let him enter, he became abusive and headbutted him in the face, splitting his lip.

Mr Gazi pushed him away. The court heard that Burgess then produced an imitation pistol cigarette lighter and brandished it in front of him before running away.

Ms Davies said when Burgess was arrested by police, he said that he was too drunk to remember the incident.

Steven Wiltshire, defending, said that Burgess was "wholly remorseful" about the racist comments he made to Mr Gazi - and that he was trying to scare the doorman away from him.

He said that a friend had given Burgess the imitation pistol to be repaired earlier that evening.

He had not intended to use it, but he could not control himself when drunk.

Burgess works in the building industry and his employers sent a letter to the court, describing him as a conscientious, dedicated and helpful worker.

However, Judge Anthony King said that Burgess had no proper explanation for carrying the gun, the comments he made to the doorman were "deeply offensive and wholly unacceptable" and only a custodial sentence was appropriate.