A large carving knife was wielded after three men were thrown out of a Dales village pub magistrates heard yesterday.

Peter Scott, prosecuting, said residents in Dacre had felt intimidated and feared for their safety when one of the trio, Milovan Scepanovic, threatened to slice someone up with a knife before going back to the Royal Oak Hotel, sitting outside and demanding those he was looking for were brought to him.

Scepanovic, 26, who appeared for sentence after admitting threatening behaviour and possession of a knife, was said to have been drinking in the pub on Christmas Eve with friends. But he and two others had been refused service after they became rowdy.

Outside, one of the men had put Scepanovic, of Dragon Parade, Harrogate, in a headlock and the other had kicked him before he moved off towards West View where a friend lived. Soon after, he was seen with a knife and police were called.

In mitigation, David Camidge said Scepanovic's actions - and earlier convictions for drink-driving and disorderly behaviour - had their origins in heavy drinking.

But since sentence was deferred in April, he had found work as a delivery driver, formed a relationship with a woman and sought medical help for his alcohol problem.

Court chairman Lindsay Councell fined Scepanovic £600 with £90 costs and told him: "These were serious offences but we are satisfied you are trying to get your life back in order."