A DAD took up a wrench to frighten off a group of men who had threatened to pull the wires out of his heart bypass machine, a court heard.

Jake Shone, of Henry Taylor Street in Flint, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court on Thursday for sentence.

The 28-year-old had previously admitted that on October 28 in Flint, he used threatening or abusive words or behaviour.

Shane Maddocks, prosecuting, told the court that just before 6.40pm on the day of the offence, the defendant had been arguing with a group of people in front of the Mill Tavern Pub.

He then walked away to the back of his car and took a metal torque wrench before returning to the group.

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Mr Maddocks said Shone then raised the object over his head as if to use it as a weapon, then went back to his car and put it back in the boot.

Police attended and seized the wrench.

The dad-of-eight told officers he was passing in his car and stopped to speak to his brother - when the group of other men began "saying stuff," including that they would "pull the wire out of his stomach."

Shone said he took up the wrench because he felt threatened but only intended to put fear into the men, not to use it.

Probation officer Tracey Flavell told the court: "He accepts full responsibility for his behaviour and tells me threats were made regarding a medical device he has attached to him due to health concerns."

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Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court her client carried a heart bypass machine, explaining: "When these people said they were going to pull his wires out, it would have stopped his heart.

"But clearly he shouldn't have got involved - he made the stupid decision to get the wrench and he is thoroughly ashamed of himself.

"He has been out of trouble for five years."

The court handed down an 18 month community order with 10 rehabilitation activity days and a 35 day thinking skills programme.

Shone must pay £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge, as well as an £80 fine.