A part-time gardener has been banned from entering the E10 postal area after being accused of carrying a machete.

Felix Victor, of Mildmay Road in Ilford, appeared at Thames Magistrates Court this morning facing one charge of carrying an offensive weapon.

The 57-year-old is alleged to have knocked on the door of a home in Canterbury Road, Leyton, before waving the item around and walking in the road.

This morning the crown prosecutor confirmed no threats of violence were made although the alleged act of waving the machete was taken as threatening.

However, Mr Victor’s legal representative told the court he is a gardener and was at the property as a client of his lives in the flat below.

He also claims he was carrying a bag of gardening tools, which police allege included a machete.

Mr Victor pleaded not guilty and will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a preliminary trial hearing on October 30.

As part of his bail conditions he is not allowed to enter the E10 area.