A WREXHAM teenager who threatened his neighbour while waving a large kitchen knife around has avoided being locked up.
Joshua Townend, of Crescent Road, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old admitted that on October 18, he used threatening or abusive words or behaviour towards the victim, Bernice Haycock, and that on that occasion he had in his possession a knife.
Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that at around 6pm on the day of the incident, police were called by the victim to report an issue with her neighbour, the defendant.
She explained that earlier in the day a pushchair belonging to a relative had been left in a communal area and had been found later to have spittle on it.
Ms Haycock spoke to the defendant about it, and he "took offence".
He went into the flat and came back out into the communal area with a "large kitchen knife," making threats to stab her whilst waving it around.
When the police came and arrested him, he fully admitted having the blade and making threats with it.
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Probation Officer Andrew Connah said: "Mr Townend claims the victim's friend assaulted and threatened him with a Stanley knife and that's why he reacted as he did - I've received no information to support that.
"He does accept he responded inappropriately.
"He said there was no planning and he felt both he and his girlfriend were being threatened."
Ceri Lewis, defending, told the court: "In fairness to him, he was interviewed unrepresented, admitted both offences and gave a full account of the incident.
"Mr Townend and his mum are concerned by the prospect of a custodial sentence."
She added her client could pay off any financial impositions at a rate of £25 a month, with the aim for him to gain employment and pay more.
District Judge Gwyn Jones handed down an 18 week sentence of detention at a young offenders institute, suspended for 12 months.
Townend must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and pay £250 compensation to his victim, as well as £85 prosecution costs.
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