A MAN from Weston-super-Mare who threatened unlawful violence and carried an axe in public has been handed a suspended sentence.

Scott Baird, 34, committed both offences in Cougar Road, Haywood Village – where he lives – on September 29, 2023.

Bristol Crown Court heard that he “used or threatened unlawful violence” and his conduct “would have caused a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety”.

It was also told he possessed the axe “without lawful authority or a reasonable excuse”.

Baird pleaded guilty to affray and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place on October 31, 2023, and he was sentenced on August 5, 2024.

He was given an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to comply with the instructions of a responsible officer for up to 20 days.