A pensioner armed himself with an axe before launching himself at an associate and smashing up his car in “a moment of madness”.
Anthony Cooper, 66, told police to f**k off and barricaded himself into a property at St Merryn Holiday Village in May.
Cooper, of Padstow, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing after having pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage, Cornwall Live reports.
There had been contact between Cooper and the victim and the victim had left belongings including a van at Cooper’s property, Francesca Whebell, prosecuting, explained.
It became clear damage had been caused to the van so the victim in the case and his brother attended Cooper’s property.
They knocked on the door and at that point Cooper opened the door with an axe above his head. He shouted "get the f**k away" and continued towards the victim waving the axe.
Fortunately the victim was able to step backwards with his hands raised. He believes the only reason he didn’t get hurt was because he backed away.
The complainant was left utterly shocked and believed the defendant was going to kill him. He sped away in a car but as he left Cooper smashed the van with the axe, causing damaged estimated at £1,000.
Cooper was still in the street with the axe when police turned up and he pointed the weapon at an officer before telling him to f**k off and running inside and barricading the door.
Cooper was eventually arrested.
In mitigation it was heard that Cooper accepts responsibility and shows remorse.
The court was told Cooper and the victim knew each other for many years, Cooper employing him at one point and the complainant also entering a relationship with one of Cooper’s friends.
Cooper requested the items removed with the complainant alleged to have said he couldn’t be bothered.
Sentencing, Judge Simon Carr said the circumstances were disturbing.
He said: “On this day somebody with whom you had a history of ill-feeling knocked on the door of the mobile home where you were staying at the time.
“There may have been a minor verbal disagreement but for reasons known only by you and maybe not even known by you, you chose to arm yourself with an axe and come out making threats and waving it above your head.
“It must have been terrifying. He drove off and you vented your anger on his van.
“The courts hear the term a lot but this was a moment of madness, there’s nothing in your history to suggest you’re violent.
“Your age, remorse, plea and lack of any relevant previous convictions allow me to suspend what would otherwise be an immediate custodial sentence.”
Cooper was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for two years. He must abide by a two month 7pm to 7am curfew and pay £500 court costs.
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