A BARBER who chased a man with a metal bar in a “frightening” incident has avoided jail.

Yahya Solak, of Rugby Road, Newport, was handed a community order after pleading guilty to affray and dangerous driving.

Solak, a barber with plans to open a new business, reacted angrily after an argument with the former partner of his then girlfriend on June 23, 2016, Newport Crown Court heard yesterday.

James Evans, prosecuting, said the complainant had returned his child to Solak's then partner at her home, when he reportedly said he did not like Solak being around the child.

Solak, in his Mercedes, followed the complainant who then stopped and said “What are you doing?”, the court heard.

Solak, 25, then got out of his car and walked towards the complainant with a 12 to 16 inch metal bar, before the complainant drove off.

The Newport barber ran after the car, throwing the metal bar down in anger.

Mr Evans said Solak got back in his Mercedes and continued following the complainant, overtaking him and stopping in front of the car.

“The defendant went up to the driver’s door and challenged him to fight,” said Mr Evans.

“He tried to open the door but it was locked.”

The complainant again drove off, before he was again pursued and overtaken.

But this time on stopping he called the police which brought the incident to an end.

Stephen Thomas, defending, said it was accepted that Solak’s behaviour was inappropriate, unlawful and frightening.

“It was the complainant who was perhaps the catalyst for what happened,” said Mr Thomas.

“His [Solak's] behaviour was totally out of character.”

Mr Thomas said no damage was caused to any cars or property, and that no injuries resulted from the incident.

He said Solak was a “hard-working young man” who was planning to open a new business, and that his risk of reoffending was low.

Judge Jonathan Furness QC said the offences were serious enough to justify a prison term, but that Solak had a strong work ethic and an alternative could be imposed.

He sentenced Solak to 200 hours of unpaid community work in the next 12 months.

Solak also received six penalty points on his driving license.

The metal bar was ordered to be destroyed and a surcharge of £85 was ordered.