A 20-year-old has avoided prison after admitting being in possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Jake Constable, of Clacton, was handed a 12-month suspended prison sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.

Constable, of Upper Branston Road, admitted having the firearm in Mendlesham Close, Clacton, when a woman was allegedly chased by a group of people with a firearm in March.