A 27-YEAR-OLD man whose relatives have been involved in a feud with another family has been given a two-year conditional discharge.
Magistrates described the history between the two families as 'bad blood', when Luke Presley Taylor Walker appeared in Llandrindod on Wednesday, May 4.
Walker, of Norton Terrace, Llandrindod Wells, pleaded guilty to using words and behaviour designed to distress Samantha Griffiths, a member of the other family involved in the feud.
Prosecuting, Stephen Davies said that at 2.50pm on March 28, Ms Griffiths had been walking towards the Gwalia with her sister and young daughter when she had seen Walker and his partner at the entrance to Rock Park.
It is then alleged that he made a threatening 'throat-slitting' gesture. Walker agreed that he had made a gesture but not the one described.
He later said he believed Ms Griffiths had been taunting and laughing at him.
Mitigating, Jayne Thomas said Walker accepts he shouted at Ms Griffiths but that there was a 'vast amount of background' between the two families, including negative rumours put out about Walker's relatives.
Ms Thomas said Walker knew there was 'no reasoning' with Ms Griffiths and had used street language towards her. Ms Thomas added that Walker had turned his life around and was 10 months free from alcohol, due to have his first child in July. She added that Ms Griffiths has since moved away from the area.
Magistrates described the incident as 'unpleasant'.
"We are told there is a considerable history of bad blood and that has to stop. The catalyst for the problem has been removed. You have a new life, new prospect for the future."
They gave Walker a two-year conditional discharge and ordered him to pay £85 costs.