A NINJA caravan park resident has been jailed for terrifying pensioners by jumping out on them without warning.

Brian Telchadder, 40, was sentenced to seven days in jail for springing out on elderly residents, dressed in camouflage clothing, at Meadow View caravan park.

Colchester Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday Telchadder had been roaming round the Little Clacton site for three months, behaving like a ninja and swinging a 7ft-long stick, frightening elderly residents before they reported him to police.

Frank O’Toole, prosecuting, said on July 15, Telchadder went to neighbour Brian Carter’s caravan and threatened to kill those who had reported him to police.

He also threatened to kill Mr Carter, claiming he had shotguns and air rifles.

He walked away, but returned minutes later with a 7ft stick which he swung in the air as if he was doing martial arts, Mr O’Toole said. Telchadder then repeated threats to shoot Mr Carter and his rabbits.

When police raided his home, they seized air pistols and a samurai sword.

Evelyn Hicks said in mitigation Telchadder claimed his neighbours were conspiring to evict him from the caravan site.

She said: “From Telchadder’s point of view those that live on exclusive and expensive caravan sites only wish for those of a similar age and background to be there.”

She added: “The behaviour he has displayed is not perfect.

“He accepts it was a public order offence. He has two samurai swords and is fixated with ninjas. Sometimes he likes to walk around the woods, and this was misconceived by some neighbours.”

Judge David Cooper said: “I didn’t realise there were pecking orders on caravan sites, but I suppose there are, as there is in any walk of life.

“Nevertheless, he jumped out at two elderly pensioners.”

Judge Cooper ordered Telchadder to pay a £180 fine, but he chose to serve a jail term instead of paying the fine.

He was also ordered not to contact Mr Carter, or two elderly neighbours who had reported him to the police.