A MAN who threatened staff at a Caversham restaurant with an air pistol has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Scott Lincoln, 30, of Caversham Road, appeared at Reading Crown Court on February 9 where he was sentenced to four months in prison, suspended for 24 months.

He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £115.

At a hearing on January 8, Lincoln pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a Class B drug, namely cannabis, at a separate hearing on February 9.

A count of possession of a bladed article was ordered to lie on file.

The charges relate to an incident at the River Spice restaurant on December 9 when Lincoln started an argument with staff.

He went to his vehicle and collected a gas-powered air pistol, returning to the restaurant and began threatening staff with it. He also had a knife in his hand at the time.

Police were called and Lincoln was arrested. The firearm was recovered, and he was charged on the same day.

Investigating officer DC Peter Cave, of Force CID at Reading, said: “This was a frightening incident for those at the restaurant and I pleased that Lincoln has been convicted.

“We will always investigate these concerning incidents thoroughly and work tirelessly to bring the offenders to justice.”