A MAN threatened his neighbour with a hammer after drinking alcohol and inhaling butane.

Dennis Roy Bowen was said to have had a good relationship with his neighbour before the incident on July 12 last year in Llanwrtyd Wells.

But an argument over a television saw Bowen threatening his neighbour and trying to break into his flat, damaging to the door. Bowen, 53, admitted threatening behaviour and criminal damage at Llandrindod Wells Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, January 19.

Prosecutor Kevin Challinor said: “The defendant and complainant are neighbours and had been friendly in the past.

“His neighbour had split from his partner, who had left a telly at the property, and this is what the incident was sparked by.

“On the night in question he heard a knock at the door and loud music. Ten minutes later he could hear someone saying ‘I want the telly’. He didn’t want to answer as it was late.

“The defendant returned and was banging so hard that the witness said the door was almost bending open. He phoned the police, after which the defendant returned again and was striking the door with a blunt instrument. Looking through his peep hole he could see the defendant was in possession of a claw hammer and also some zip ties.”

The damage to the door was said to have been £50.

Acting for Bowen, of Irfon Crescent, Llanwrtyd, Owain Jones said: “He apologises for his actions. He knows what he did was wrong.

Magistrates ordered a report and heard from probation officer Donna Davies, who said Bowen had stayed out of trouble since last appearing in court in 2009.

“His use of alcohol and butane gas has increased during lockdown, as his previous mental health help had disappeared. He also had previous help from Kaleidoscope but says he has had two relapses in the last few months – which he attributes to a lack of sleep. “

Magistrates ordered Bowen to comply with a 12-month community order, which will include a three-month curfew, meaning he must stay inside at his address between the hours of 7pm and 7am. The order also includes 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

He must also pay £85 costs, a £95 surcharge, as well as £100 compensation to Mr Martin and £50 for the damaged door.