A POWYS man who believed his neighbours were following him has been ordered to stay away from them after he assaulted one and threatened others.

Guy Collins “snapped” during an incident in Llandrindod Wells around the festive period last year.

He assaulted Michael Irwin also threatened Kerry Evans, Angharad Edwards and Rees Moran during the incident, which occurred on December 28, 2022.

Collins, 40, said his neighbours had put him “through hell”. He had previously admitted three offences – assaulting Mr Irwin, threatening behaviour and possessing cannabis.

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Prosecutor Suzanne Cartwright said Kerry Evans was at home on the evening with her daughter Angharad Edwards and her boyfriend Rees Moran.

“There was lots of noise coming from the address above, there was banging and glass being smashed,” she said.

“Later, there was a knock on the front door. It was ignored but got louder so she opened it.

“The defendant appeared. He was swearing and he kept repeating ‘I’m going to kill you’. She had to use force to shut the door.

“Michael Irwin heard a racket outside his flat. He went to investigate and the defendant grabbed him. Mr Irwin then grabbed him by the throat to get him off him, then returned to his flat.

“The defendant then booted in the flat door and asked him where he kept the knife. He said he didn’t have one.

“The defendant left and returned to Kerry Evans’ flat. He told her ‘If you call the police it’ll be the last thing you do’. The police were called and he said he would stab officers if they came anywhere near him, saying they would need armed officers to get him out.

“Sergeant Evans negotiated with him and got him out, and he was arrested.”

Collins told police he’d been out drinking and when he returned home he had heard banging and shouting.

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“He said he snapped,” said Ms Cartwright. “He said it (the disturbance) was all aimed at him, they were doing it to provoke him.

“He said the noises stop him sleeping and he’s been sleeping in the communal hall. He also said they had been throwing things at his window at night.”

Representing Collins, now of Orchid Walk, Newtown, Rob Hanratty said: “Unfortunately, in adult life, Mr Collins has developed mental health issues.

“From his perspective his neighbours were being very unneighbourly, hostile even. He says they put him through hell.

“He acknowledges he suffers with paranoia. He thought his neighbours were following him."

Collins was handed an 18-month community order, which will include 15 rehabilitation activity days.

He was ordered to pay £150 compensation to Mr Irwin and £100 to Ms Evans; he must also pay a £120 fine, £114 surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates granted a restraining order, which will last for 12 months.