A Hamilton yob produced a knife during a street disturbance then spat at a police worker following his arrest.
Even William McCreadie's lawyer admitted he deserved jail for his "appalling" behaviour.
But McCreadie, 29, of Wyler Tower, avoided custody when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court today.
He admitted threatening or abusive behaviour, possession of a knife and spitting at a custody support worker at Motherwell police station.
The court heard he had a blade when he confronted a number of individuals in the Burnbank area on May 22, 2019.
Defence agent Ali Murray said McCreadie had suffered a mental breakdown and had been getting counselling.
Mr Murray stated: "On the day in question his counsellor broke an appointment and my client reacted badly.
"He took copious amounts of alcohol and that led to these offences.
"His behaviour is inexcusable and he is embarrassed and appalled by it."
Referring to the spitting incident, Mr Murray added: "That was abhorrent but, mercifully, it pre-dated the Covid pandemic."
The lawyer admitted the offences merited a prison sentence, but suggested an alternative could be imposed.
Sheriff Colin Dunipace told McCreadie: "Anyone who gets involved in an altercation and holds a knife in front of other people is at great risk of custody.
"Spitting at a police worker makes this even worse - that's disgusting."
The sheriff said he took into account that McCreadie had suffered "significant trauma" in his life.
He is in full time employment and has committed no further offences in the two years since this incident.
Sheriff Dunipace added: "I'm prepared to impose a community payback order, but if you breach it the likelihood is 18 months to two years in custody."
McCreadie will be supervised for two years and must do 300 hours of unpaid community work.
He must also pay £500 compensation to the police worker within 28 days.
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