A MAN who declared himself "the hardest in Wrexham" has been spared jail after drunkenly brandishing a large knife in the middle of the road.

David Jones, of Hill Court in Wrexham, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Thursday.

The 58-year-old had admitted offences of affray and possessing a bladed article in public at a previous hearing.

Alexandra Carrier, prosecuting, told the court that on the evening of August 27, Jones was walking through Hightown when he started a verbal altercation with another man.

READ MORE: Man sentenced for biting Wrexham Maelor Hospital porter

Jones asked the man: "Who do you think you're talking to? I'm the hardest c*** in Wrexham."

The man responded that he'd defend himself if Jones used force against him, at which point the defendant said: "Let's just leave it."

He left the scene, but minutes later he returned with a kitchen knife.

The court saw a brief video clip of his behaviour, with him described as "walking in the middle of the road" brandishing the blade.

The police attended the scene promptly and entered the defendant's home.

He was "clearly very drunk," Ms Carrier said.

The nine-inch kitchen knife was found in a drawer in his kitchen and seized.

When interviewed, Jones confirmed he'd been drinking in town when he was verbally abused on his way home.

READ MORE: Man damaged car and abused police after drinking gin

He had no recollection of having the knife and apologised for his actions.

Those who saw the incident said they had been left in significant fear, with one woman saying she had struggled to sleep since and no longer feels safe being in the street.

Jemma Gordon asked the court to consider imposing a suspended sentence with requirements, adding: "He is very apologetic for his behaviour.

"The fact he'd been drinking is no excuse.

"Once he'd seen the footage, he was ashamed and realised that drinking to excess has led to him behaving in a way that he doesn't ordinarily.

"He is in full time employment, and that employment is still open to him."

Ms Gordon said her client had already made attempts to address his drinking, and hoped to be referred to the Elms substance abuse team in Wrexham.

The Leader:

Judge Timothy Petts told the defendant that given his guilty pleas and the mitigating factors, it was "just about" possible to outweigh the need for an immediate term of imprisonment in his case.

As such, a 12 month custodial sentence was handed down - but it was suspended for 18 months.

Jones was made subject to a 120 day alcohol abstinence monitoring requirement and must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work, as well as 20 days of rehabilitation activity.