A MAN who was spotted carrying a 90cm machete in the street has been spared jail.

Steven Smith, of St David's Drive in Connah's Quay, appeared at Mold Magistrates Court for sentence on Thursday.

The 55-year-old had previously admitted possessing a machete in St David's Drive, which happened on May 5 this year.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court that on the day of the offence, Smith was spotted pulling the 90cm blade out of a bin bag.

A witness called the police and when officer arrived, Smith dropped the machete behind a vehicle.

He was arrested and subsequently charged.

John Wheat, defending, made brief submissions to the court, having referred District Judge Gwyn Jones to the contents of a pre-sentence report prepared on his client's behalf.

He said: "This is a serious allegation - he knows that and I know that.

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"One has to concede it has crossed the custody threshold."

However Mr Wheat invited the District Judge to draw back from immediate custody.

District Judge Jones told the defendant: "I'm sure Mr Wheat will have indicated that offences of this nature are taken extremely seriously.

"Possession of machetes and knives cause so many problems in our communities.

"Whatever the circumstances, the starting point must be immediate custody.

"However you accepted your guilt and haven't troubled the court for many years.

The Leader:

"I am satisfied that there is a realistic prospect of longer term rehabilitation."

As such, the Judge imposed an 18 week custodial term, but suspended it for a year.

Smith must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and a 15 week electronically monitored curfew.

He must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.

The Judge also ordered the deprivation of the machete.