A FORMER soldier has admitted having an imitation gun in a Clacton nightclub.

James Dunlop, 29, had the fake Smith and Wesson BB gun at Tom Peppers in Pier Avenue on October 11 last year.

Peter Barlex, mitigating, told Chelmsford Crown Court that Dunlop was a former soldier and had suffered from post traumatic stress disorder.

Judge Charles Gratwicke told Dunlop: "This is an extremely serious matter and in the circumstances, there should be a full pre-sentence report.

Dunlop, of Fleetwood Avenue, Holland-on-Sea, will be sentenced later this month.

There was no application for bail and he was remanded in custody.