A NEWPORT man who held a knife and a hammer as he threatened to kill his neighbour’s boyfriend was given a community order.

Lee Case, 30, of Chepstow Road, appeared at Newport Crown Court after already pleading guilty to affray.

The court heard how Case had arguments with his neighbour and her boyfriend for more than a year about noise and other issues.

David Woolen, prosecuting, said Case came out out of his flat with an ornamental knife in one hand and a hammer in the other at around 4.30pm on April 2.

His neighbour’s boyfriend, Leighton Pearce and her daughter, were returning home from shopping when Case came out of the flat holding the knife and hammer above his head and said he would kill Mr Pearce.

Mr Pearce dropped the shopping and ran off.

Another resident who witnessed the incident said Case was “going mental”.

Police said Case was very drunk and recovered the knife and hammer.

Hywel Hughes, defending, said Case had too much alcohol and lost it.

He called it a verbal assault and said Case had a degree of remorse for his behaviour.

The court heard how Case has been living in supported accommodation run by social services.

Judge David Morris said Case at the time was living on his own and was incapable of looking after himself.

He said Case was acting in a thoroughly frightening manner on the day of the offence.

He added: “The public interest is best served where you are living in a place with 24 hours support and where your special needs can be catered for.”

Judge Morris issued Case with a community order for 18 months where he will be subject to supervision by the probation service and also ordered that he complete a special activities programme.