A MAN took a weapon into Newtown after the tyres were slashed on a car belonging to his family.

Angered after the tyres of a family member’s car had been slashed, 22-year-old Ben Ralph walked into Newtown armed with a police-style extended baton.

Brian Treadwell, prosecuting at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday, January 15, said Ralph apparently believed the man who caused the damage might have a knife.

Ralph, of St Michael’s Crescent, Forden, Welshpool, pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon and was given a 12-months community order, with 25 days of rehabilitation activity. He must carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

Judge Huw Rees told him: “Newtown is a lovely place but it doesn’t need people like you armed with some ridiculous baton walking around the streets looking for someone who’s upset you and your family.”

He added that Ralph had been "treading a very dangerous line in recent years", but there was another side to his character “and you really need to grow up.”