A gardener has been ordered to carry out 200 hours' unpaid work for being in possession of a gun which he did not realise he had on him because he was too drunk.

Glen McAdam, 21, of New Addington, was talking to police near his home when a gun an imitation firearm fell out of his pocket Croydon Crown Court heard yesterday (Tuesday).

Prosecutor Hamish Reid said police were called to the spot where McAdam was seen with his girlfriend, both of whom had been drinking, shortly before midnight on November 18 last year.

He became increasingly aggressive and was about to be arrested when a black pistol fell to the ground.

"At the police station he was searched and a lump of cannabis resin and a small amount of cocaine wrapped in a lottery ticket were found on him," said Mr Reid.

McAdam reportedly told officers that because of the drink he could not recall the incident or how he got hold of the gun.

He admitted having the weapon when he appeared in court and pleaded guilty to being in possession of cannabis and cocaine.

Amanda Bailey, defending, said although McAdam had been an insulin-dependent diabetic for 14 years he had had too much to drink that particular day.

"He knows he should be careful about taking drink," she said.

Judge Kenneth Macrae told McAdam: "The worrying thing is that you have no recollection of how you came to be in possession of the gun. Heaven knows what would have happened if the police had not been on to you."

McAdam was also fined £60 for the drug offences.