A HOMELESS man who brandished an imitation handgun at terrified rail staff in Canterbury has been jailed for five years.

Andrzej Augusciak, 27, was sentenced after admitting possessing the gun and ammunition at Canterbury West station.

Det Con Leigh Marshall, from British Transport Police, told Canterbury Crown Court the conductor and a station worker discovered Augusciak asleep in a carriage when his train terminated at the station in the early hours of Thursday, September 24 last year.

They managed to wake him up and he left the train, but immediately returned to his seat and retrieved the handgun.

Det Con Marshall said he walked towards staff holding the gun.

She added: "He cocked the weapon by pulling back its moving parts and inserted the magazine."

The Southeastern workers, who were commended for the way they handled the incident, immediately backed away and dialled 999. Armed police units were sent to the scene and Augusciak was arrested after they searched the area.

Officers found a silver and black pistol and a round of ammunition in his pockets and forensics tests later confirmed the blank round contained CS powder, a powerful irritant.

Sentencing Augusciak on Friday to five years for possessing prohibited ammunition and three years for possessing a weapon, Judge James O' Mahoney commended the bravery of the staff involved.

He said: "Being faced with a drunk male late at night with what looked like a gun must have been terrifying and something you will never forget."

The sentences will run concurrently.

After the hearing, Det Con Marshall added: "The two members of staff showed incredible bravery in the face of what must have been a very frightening and intimidating situation and were deservedly commended by the court for their actions.

"I hope the 5 year jail sentence handed down to Augusiak sends out the clearest possible message that the consequences for those who are found to have live or imitation weapons on the railway are severe."

To report someone carrying a weapon on the railway call British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.