A man and woman who used petrol and a machete to repel callers at their home have been spared immediate custody.
Valerie Edwards and Mark Harris deployed the weapons when Peter Zupka and Alicia Holubova called at their basement flat in Wootton Road, in the St Annes area of Bristol.
Bristol Crown Court heard that, earlier, someone had tried to steal an electric bike from Edwards and Harris and they thought those responsible had returned.
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Edwards, 48, pleaded guilty to administering a noxious substance in November last year.
Harris, 56, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.
Judge Michael Longman handed Edwards a 16 months jail term, suspended for two years, with drug rehabilitation.
He handed Harris a 14 months jail term, suspended for two years, with alcohol treatment.
The judge told the pair today (Wednesday, February 9): "There was some provocation but your behaviour was not pre-meditated.
"On any view you massively overreacted.
"Your behaviour was inexcusable.
"Whatever show of strength necessary by you there was no need to leave and pursue them with weapons - let alone, Miss Edwards, to squirt petrol over them and threaten to set fire to it."
Kenneth Bell, prosecuting, said the couple was told Mr Zupka had tried to steal an electric bike from their home.
Mr Bell said, as a result, Mr Zupka and Miss Holubova visited Edwards and Harris' flat.
When they arrived Mr Zupka picked up a broom, and then a metal grate and knocked on the door, the court heard.
But the court was told Edwards emerged from the flat, squirted petrol at them from a detergent bottle and threatened to set fire to them.
'I would have lit them up'
She was followed by Harris who was holding a machete.
Edwards told police called in: "I chucked the f-ing petrol.
"I would have lit them up."
Caitlin Evans, defending Edwards, said at the time her client was using Class A drugs but was highly motivated to address drug issues and had demonstrated genuine remorse.
Daniel Woodman, defending Harris, said his client had been trying to address an alcohol problem and had not been himself on the day, having suffered a seizure.
Mr Woodman said: "He does want to sort out an alcohol problem which has really blighted his life."
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