A MAN who armed himself with a meat cleaver and threatened another pub-goer has been spared jail.

Shaun Roberts, 22, was involved in an argument with Mark Darby at the Seven Stars pub in Penzance when he went home and armed himself with a meat cleaver. He was then seen brandishing it while shouting "get Mark Darby out here and I will slit his throat", Truro Crown Court heard.

Roberts, who now lives on an abandoned boat in Newlyn harbour, admitted having an offensive weapon in a public place. Judge Christopher Harvey Clark QC told him at Truro Crown Court today Friday: "You had been drinking, you had the meat cleaver and you made blood-curdling threats.

"This is a warning shot across the bows. In view of your record I must pass a custodial sentence of six months in prison, but I will suspend it for 12 months.

"You will be under supervision and must complete the 'Thinking Skills' programme to make you think twice before embarking on impulsive behaviour in the way you did last year."