A "LIKABLE rogue" threatened to hit a woman with a piece of wooden fence, a court heard yesterday.

Barry Blakey, 22, became involved in an argument at a party in Holgate Moor Green, Darlington, on October 1.

Blair Martin, prosecuting, told Darlington Magistrates' Court: "Mr Blakey was talking to the young woman and they eventually began to argue. He was chased away by two men, but came back less then ten minutes later.

"He then began to remonstrate with the girl and was becoming more aggressive. Mr Blakey then pulled off a piece of wood from the fence and brandished it at the woman.

"The two men who originally chased him returned with metal poles to give chase again. He returned again, but was arrested after police were called by CCTV operators."

After a brief report from the Probation Service, Mo Sibert, said: "He is a likable rogue. His girlfriend has a baby on the way and we are hoping that this is going to be the thing that finally makes him grow up."

Blakey, of Brignall Moor Crescent, pleaded guilty to criminal damage and a public order offence and was given a 12-month community order with 60 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £25 costs.