A WIDNES man who threatened a terrified security guard with a wheel brace was placed on probation for two years at Warrington Crown Court on Wednesday.
Judge John Rodgers told 37-year-old James Bate the offence merited a prison sentence but the court was prepared to be lenient because he was making positive attempts to resolve long-standing drug problems.
The court heard Bate, of Sharp Street, Widnes, was found in a caravan on a Widnes industrial site in the early hours.
He was challenged by security guard Brian Dooley but produced the wheel brace and swung at him.
He continued to shout abuse and make threats until police arrived.
Later he said he had only gone to the caravan to sleep and had no intention of stealing.
John Chaplin, defending, said Bate had long-standing drug problems but was, for the first time, seeking medical help.
The court heard he had 15 previous convictions for burglary and three for assault.
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