A FATHER-OF-SIX who smashed up a Welshpool home and threatened the owner with a Stanley knife has avoided jail.

Lee King received a suspended sentence after he pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage and a further charge of possession of a blade in a public place during a hearing at Welshpool Magistrates Court on October 19.

The court was told that police had received a 999 call at around 6.30am after 36-year-old factory worker King had turned up at the victim's address on Oldford Estate, Welshpool.

The victim, Robert Gregory, said he had answered the door to his first floor flat to find King – who he said he did not know – in the doorway.

King produced a Stanley knife and began advancing towards the victim, who pushed him out of the door, closed it and locked it before calling the police.

King then returned to his car to fetch a metal bar, which he used to smash windows at the property, and evidence given by a neighbour added that King was heard shouting outside the flat asking the occupants to "come outside for a fight", before firearms officers from Dyfed Powys Police arrived at the scene and he was arrested.

A victim impact statement from Mr Gregory said he felt "scared for his safety".

He added that he was left "always looking over his shoulder" and that he felt scared to leave his partner alone in the flat in case King returned while he wasn't there.

Defending, Paul Inns said his client had temporarily "gone off the rails" on drink and drugs and that he had issues with his mental health.

He added that he is seeking help for his mental health, works seven days a week and provides for his six children.

King, of Sutton Hill, Telford, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for two years, and also subject to an alcohol abstinence and monitoring order prohibiting him from consuming alcohol for 28 days and requiring him to wear a "sobriety tag".

A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the Stanley knife.