A MAN was given an absolute discharge yesterday after admitting taking a sword outside to protect himself against a golf-club wielding vandal.
David Parkin, 39, of Arun Place, Peterlee, County Dur-ham, admitted a charge of using threatening words or behaviour.
Graham Gaston, prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, said Parkin was having a barbecue last May when a teenager began hitting his car.
Mr Parkin took the sword outside and told the boy to stop it. The police were called and the youth was arrested.
But Parkin later threatened other youngsters loitering outside the house.
Judge Peter Fox QC warned Mr Parkin not to take the sword out of the house again.
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