A MAN who threatened two strangers with an imitation firearm in the city centre after a heated dispute broke out has avoided prison.

Jonathan Hyrons brandished a black BB Gun to show his victims they were dealing with a “different kettle of fish” in a bid to scare them off in Vineyard Street, Colchester.

Ipswich Crown Court heard how the 41-year-old gave no hint the firearm was false and instead intended to strike grave fear into the two men as a consequence for confronting him on March 12.

Hyrons, of Carrington Court, West Mersea, admitted possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and was handed a suspended sentence on Monday.

Charles Judge, prosecuting, explained how having been approached by two men shortly after 1am, Hyrons returned to his car to get the imitation firearm.

Hyrons then waited at the entrance to Vineyard Street car park for the men to arrive before exchanges quickly became heated.

Gazette: Row - an armed Jonathan Hyrons waited by the bollards for the two men to approach himRow - an armed Jonathan Hyrons waited by the bollards for the two men to approach him

CCTV footage played to the court shows Hyrons then reach to the back of his trousers to produce the weapon and wave it in one of the men’s faces.

The barrel of the gun could also be seen protruding from his hand in the dramatic footage.

As he then begins to walk off the men shout in his direction, provoking a "two on one" fight to ensue.

Nearby door staff then rushed to intervene, despite being warned by one of the men shouting “he’s got a gun”.

As Hyrons is knocked to the floor during the brawl the BB gun spills onto the pavement, providing the chance for the bouncers to detain him until the police arrive.

On Monday, the defendant told the court of his long standing battle with alcohol and drugs, claiming the incident was “a cry for help”.

Sentencing Hyrons to 16 months imprisonment suspended for two years, Judge Martyn Levett slammed the defendant for bringing gun violence “back into the headlines”.

“This was an imitation gun used in a public place, showing violent incidents in the quieter streets of Colchester can still blight the reputation of our towns,” added Judge Levett.

Hyrons must also undertake 150 hours of unpaid work and 50 days of a rehabilitation activity.