A man sparked an alert at Aberdeen beach after being spotted by a “terrified” witness with an airgun.

Tamas Buda was warned he could face jail at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday after admitting having the weapon in public.

His solicitor – who admitted witnesses may have thought Buda was a “gangster or terrorist” – claimed his client, had gone to the beach with the BB gun to “fire at rocks” and “have some fun”.

But Sheriff Malcolm Garden said he could not “rule out” a custodial sentence.

Buda, 21, appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court and admitted committing a breach of the peace on July 8 this year.

He admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner by having an air weapon in his possession on open display at the Beach Esplanade.

Fiscal Depute Karen Dow said the “beach was busy” at the time the offence took place just before 3pm.

She said a witness saw Buda wearing sunglasses along with a cap that was covering his face.

Ms Dow also said the witness believed Buda was carrying a “small” pistol. She said: “The witness was terrified by his behaviour and called the police.”

When police arrived, officers ordered Buda to lie down and it was later discovered the item he had was a BB gun.

Defence agent Mike Allan said his client had just been looking to “have some fun”.

He said: “He bought this gun, an airgun, with some ball bearings. He was going to the beach to fire at some rocks.

“He did have on glasses that were dark – most people might have thought he was a gangster or terrorist, I can see why people might have been alarmed.”

Sheriff Garden said he would defer sentence for reports. He told Buda: “I have no idea what you thought you were doing.

“This type of behaviour, it’s difficult to think what would be more alarming than someone dressed in that way with a gun on open show.

“It’s unbelievable. To say you were just trying to have fun shows you have no conception of how serious it is.

“I do not rule out a custodial sentence for this. I think it is sufficiently serious.”

Buda, whose address was given in court as Rosehill Court, Aberdeen, will be sentenced next month.