Shouted at revving his in the road

Watson, of Hillsborough Road, admitted a public order offence of threatening behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

The offence meant he was in breach of a 16-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, imposed in December for a burglary, which included a curfew and 125 hours of unpaid work. But Watson had only completed 47 hours because of the pandemic.

Defence counsel, Rebecca Barrowcliffe said in mitigation Watson had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which was a contributory factor, and he was being assessed for Asperger’s Syndrome.

She added: “He was given the hedge trimmer some time earlier and his friend said it wouldn’t work and he wanted to prove it did, when under the influence of drink and drugs.” The defendant’s mother told the recorder her son had “behaved himself” and kept out of trouble since the incident.

Sentencing, Recorder Adrian Reynolds said: “I can well imagine why people were frightened; a big guy like you going around out of control with a hedge trimmer.

“Now it’s all over it seems quite comical, but it was frightening at the time.

“I’m prepared to give you another chance with additional unpaid work as you obviously have a bent for gardening so you can put it to good use.” Watson was given a six-month community order with 20 hours of unpaid work, added to the previously imposed hours he still has to complete. His earlier suspended sentence was extended by six months.

The hedge trimmer was confiscated by the court.

People were frightened ... a big guy going around out of control with a hedge trimmer

Recorder Adrian Reynolds