A MAN has avoided jail after he threw a plant pot and spade over his garden wall close to where children were playing.

Bradley Smith, of Buckton Street in Fairfield, then brandished a knife on his neighbour after being told to ‘pack it in’.

The 24-year-old appeared at Liverpool Crown Court, where he was told his actions were ‘very serious’ by the judge.

But he was spared immediate custody in light of a pre-sentence report, which suggested that he could be dealt with by way of a community order.

Mark Phillips, prosecuting, told the court how the complainant and the defendant live on different streets, but in properties separated by an alleyway.

On April 11 at around 4.45pm, the complainant was almost struck by a flying plant pot filled with compost which had been thrown over the garden gate.

This was closely followed by a spade. The court heard how the two items landed in close proximity to where two children were playing.

When the complainant reacted by telling the defendant to ‘pack it in’, he was confronted by Smith who ‘ran towards him brandished a large kitchen knife’.

He retreated to safety as he was ‘scared what the defendant may do’.

The police were called and Smith gave an ‘incomprehensible explanation’ for his actions.

He was subsequently charged with threatening behaviour and the possession of a bladed article in a public place.

In defence of Smith, Alex Langhorn reminded Judge Thomas Teague of his client’s guilty plea entered at earliest stage, meaning that maximum credit should be afforded on any sentence.

He also spoke of how Smith has no previous convictions.

Before sentencing, Judge Teague said: “This is a very serious matter, and courts are very concerned about the increase in the carrying and use of knives in public.

“It is impossible to say that you do not pose some risk to the public, but it is the clear opinion of the author of your pre-sentence report that this can be managed in the community.”

Smith was ordered to serve a community order for 12 months and complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days and 40 hours unpaid work in community.

Judge Teague added: “If you do not comply or are foolish enough to reoffend, you will be brought back to court.”