Man '˜had imitation gun in Belfast city centre on St Patrick's Day'

Christopher Southam, of no fixed address, was arrested after police were called to the scene at Bradbury Place in Belfast.

The 40-year-old faces a charge of possessing an imitation firearm in public.

He was detained at a tent pitched on the busy city street last Friday.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd told Belfast Magistrates’ Court that the alleged firearm offence was accepted.

“I know the prosecution aren’t in a position to accept a plea, but it seems to be quite straightforward,” the barrister said.

No further details of the incident were disclosed during the hearing.

Southam also faces a separate count of stealing a mobile phone from a bar in Enniskillen last year.

Athough bail was not opposed, the defendant is to remain in custody until an address approved by police can be found.

District Judge Nigel Broderick also agreed to impose a condition that Southam is to be banned from the Bradbury Place area.