POLICE have released an image of a man who sent Southampton revellers fleeing in terror as he brandished metal poles and an airgun.

Officers were called to Bedford Place and found Mariusz Pietrzak standing outside the Romeo Pizza kebab shop with a metal pole in each hand.

As reported in the Daily Echo, prosecutor Simon Walters told Southampton Crown Court that Pietzak, 43, had been involved in an argument with staff.

The defendant was told to leave unless he intended to place an order and was eventually kicked out, the court heard.

Daily Echo: The incident occurred outside Romeo Pizza in Bedford Place, Southampton.The incident occurred outside Romeo Pizza in Bedford Place, Southampton.

After going home he returned to the area with weapons and was seen banging on the front window of the shop with the poles.

They were described in court as the sort that might be used by someone working out in the gym or taking part in martial arts training.

A witness described seeing people in the street running away from Pietrzak, shouting a warning that there was a man in the street with a gun. Some of the revellers hid behind the back of the shop for safety.

Police received five 999 calls and dashed to the scene, where the defendant was arrested.

Daily Echo: Mariusz PietrzakMariusz Pietrzak

Mr Walters told the court that a firearms officer identified the weapon as an air pistol capable of firing 66 metal pellets, which was confirmed by a forensics examination.

Pietrzak was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.

The Archers Road resident pleaded guilty to the offences, which were committed in the early hours of May 29.

Berenice Mulvanny, mitigating, told the court that he had demonstrated remorse and was "trying to be a law-abiding citizen". She also described him as “obviously a very lonely and isolated man".

Ms Mulvanny said the defendant's mother died a few days before the incident, which appeared to have been a catalyst, and he was drinking as a way of coping.

She added that Pietrzak had claimed that he never wanted to hurt anyone or fire the air pistol.

The defendant was jailed for 14 months.

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't take my word for it - subscribe here to see for yourself.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by joining our Facebook group - Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated Facebook group - Hampshire Court and Crime News