A young Welshpool man who "just flipped" before pulling out a knife to scare off his friend during an argument in a pub car park has avoided being sent to prison.

Kaine Powell, 21, had been drinking alcohol at the end of his work shift with friends at the Smithfield Bell in Welshpool when an argument escalated outside.

A staff member at the pub phoned the police after he saw Powell pull out a Stanley knife out of his pocket and threw it onto the floor before walking away.

Welshpool Magistrates' Court sentenced Powell to nine months in prison but suspended it for 18 months after he pleaded guilty to possessing a Stanley knife on Remembrance Day (Friday, November 11).

Helen Tench, prosecuting, told the court: "The defendant told police that his friend has been saying things about his mother and he just flipped. He said he knew it was wrong and he was a complete idiot."

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The print machine operator was described by his solicitor as a young man who done a "foolish thing" and had found himself in a "very unfortunate position".

Robert Hanratty, defending, told the court: "The 21-year-old man was extremely remorseful. He and the other person are very good friends. He works with at a local printer, a job he really enjoys, and the article belongs to the business.

"At the end of his shift he was persuaded to go to the pub and had a bit to drink, there was a bit of silliness in the pub and him and his friend went outside, standing significantly from each other. His friend was waving a glass around.

"There was never any danger to use the knife in a dangerous manner. He should never have taken it from the work place.

"Very often workmen who go for a pint after work are caught with blades. He finds himself in a very unfortunate position. He’s a young man who’s done a foolish thing."

Magistrates heard that Powell had "just panicked".

Julian Davies, probation officer, told the court: "Mr Powell tells me he pulled a knife with no intention to use it, only to scare him off. He was really upset about what he done and he says he won't do anything like it again.

"He tells me he doesn’t often consume alcohol but does get into trouble when he does."

Stephen Pembroke, chair of the magistrates bench, ordered Powell to work closely with the probation service over the next 18 months to avoid being sent to prison.

"It’s a very serious charge, really. I hope your realise how serious it is. Quite clearly with our sentencing guidelines it has passed the custody threshold."

Powell, of Foundary Lane, Welshpool, was ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, 15 rehabilitation days to work on his cannabis use and alcohol consumption, and consequential thinking, and fined £239.

Mr Pembroke added: "You're a young man and if you don’t work hard on this you will end up in prison."