A man armed himself with a hatchet and took his dog to confront his victim in the street after he caught him texting his girlfriend. The incident left the other man fearing for his safety.
Lee Jones, 38, of Tonyrefail, became enraged after he called Stephen Swayne on March 13 to ask him why he was texting his partner. The matter escalated when the victim called the defendant "controlling and manipulative" to which he responded: "Who the f*** do you think you're talking to?".
A sentencing hearing at Newport Crown Court on Thursday heard both men went outside into the street but when Mr Swayne saw Jones he saw he had brought his dog with him and became scared for his safety. Prosecutor Megan Jones said the victim asked Jones "Why have you brought your dog?" to which the defendant responded: "I've brought my hatchet." He then held out his right hand which contained the metal which the court heard was silver in colour with a red handle.
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Mr Swayne returned to his home and called the police who arrived and arrested the defendant. Jones, of Caer Gwerlas, later pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article. The court heard he has 12 previous convictions including an attempted robbery during which he was in possession of a knife.
In mitigation William Bebb said his client was "realistic" about the fact he would be receiving an immediate custodial sentence. He said the defendant was "ashamed" of his behaviour and was at a low point in his life having had issued with drugs and alcohol from a young age.
Sentencing, Judge Matthew Porter-Bryant said: "This is a most serious case of brandishing a hatchet – an implement that has no business on the streets and would to anyone viewing that object caused fear and apprehension."
Jones was sentenced to 32 months imprisonment. He was also made subject to a restraining order.
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