A CIRENCESTER man has been remanded in custody to await trial on charges of possession of an imitation firearm.

At Gloucester crown court yesterday Darren Edgington, aged 34, of Jubilee Flats, Parkway, Siddington, appeared via video link from prison to face charges of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear, affray, breach of a non molestation order, threats to kill and possession of an offensive weapon.

Janine Wood, prosecuting, said Edgington allegedly went to his ex-partner's home with two other men and a Staffordshire bull terrier after receiving text messages from her new boyfriend.

"It is said he was in possession of an item resembling a gun," said Ms Wood. "He also had knives, it is alleged.

"He was arrested about half an hour later and said he had not been there."

Judge Jamie Tabor QC remanded Edgington in custody to await a plea and case management hearing on December 23 and a trial lasting two or three days starting on February 4 next year.