A FLINT dad took the law into his own hands when he ran at a group of teenagers while armed with a pair of kitchen knives, a court heard.

John Spence, of Earl Street, appeared at Mold Crown Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 50-year-old had previously admitted affray and two counts of possessing a knife.

Simon Mintz, prosecuting, told the court that at around 6pm on the day of the offences, a group of young people had been "hanging around" the defendant's street and their behaviour - caught on video - was "unmistakably unruly and taunting."

Spence ran out of his house and shouted at the teens to keep away from his house.

He went back into the property before emerging armed with a pair of large kitchen knives.

The defendant grabbed one of the youths and swung a knife close to his face, causing a superficial cut to his lip.

Spence's partner then pulled him away and back inside the house, where he was later arrested.

When interviewed, he claimed his family had been harassed by a group of teenagers for some time.

He accepted having gone out with the knives, but said he hadn't intended to cause actual injury.

READ MORE: Flint woman admits fraud while working for Post Office

Simon Killleen, defending, told the court: "He did take steps to inform the authorities of the need to control this group that had congregated around his and his neighbour's house.

"He remonstrated with them and was abused and at that point, even though his wife had called the police, he went out onto the street with two kitchen knives.

"He didn't intend to hurt anyone."

But he conceded: "People cannot, in a civilised society, take the law into their own hands and go out on the street as he did."

The court also heard the defendant had admitted the offences on the basis that there has been provocation.

Recorder Neil Owen-Casey told the defendant: "You cannot take the law into your own hands.

"You certainly can't run at anyone, let alone vulnerable young people, with knives.

"It is a highly dangerous thing to do."

Spence received a custodial sentence of 12 months to run concurrent on each of the three charges - but the term was suspended for two years.

The defendant was fined £375 and ordered to pay a £256 victim surcharge, as well as undertaking 10 rehabilitation activity days.

He must also undertake 19 sessions of an accredited programme.

 

Make sure you don't miss the top court stories of the week by signing up to our free court newsletter

The Leader: