A FATHER-OF-THREE, who was cleared of pointing a loaded pistol at a train passenger, was jailed for 30 months after being caught with Ecstasy pills.

Claude Griffin, 25, of Barham Road, Chislehurst, was accused of threatening former soldier Robert Marsh, 32, who asked him for directions when he found himself on the wrong train bound for Lewisham.

An Old Bailey judge cleared Griffin of threatening Mr Marsh with a firearm but the jury found him guilty of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply 28 Ecstasy pills.

Griffin insisted the former Royal Green Jacket had spotted the 8mm pistol hanging out of his pocket.

He said he was travelling to Bromley police station to hand in the gun to police after his brother allegedly used it to rob a post office.

Griffin was stopped by police when he got off the train at Lewisham train station and was taken to Catford police station where the Ecstasy tablets were discovered.

Officers also discovered he was carrying eight grams of amphetamine sulphate which Griffin claimed was for personal use.

Jailing Griffin for two-and-a-half years, Judge Gerald Gordon said the drug offence was "so serious" only a custodial sentence could be imposed.

Griffin denied possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and possessing a Class B drug.