A MAN who took a replica gun to frighten his former employer was warned he could face jail yesterday.

Teesside Crown Court heard Brian Johnston had taken the plastic handgun on a taxi journey from his home town of Sunderland to Middlesbrough.

Richard Parsell, prosecuting, told the court the 55-year-old had been telling the taxi driver of his threats against former boss Peter Leather on the journey to premises.

However, said Mr Parsell, what he did not know was Mr Leather was on holiday and was not at work. He said Johnston, of Rochdale Road, Redhouse, Sunderland, was arrested at the scene by armed police officers.

Johnston pleaded guilty yesterday to a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on May 14.

The gun was a replica Walther P99 handgun, the court heard.

Paul Cleasby, for Johnston, said his client was of previous good character.

He said there was a history of depression and alcohol abuse and asked for the case to be adjourned so pre-sentence and medical reports could be prepared. Judge Peter Armstrong adjourned sentence until July 23.