A POWYS teenager’s behaviour has been branded “outrageous” after he sent menacing Snapchat images of him holding a meat cleaver to another teen.

Troy Jason Manuel, who also goes by the surname Cummings, was told by a court this week that he was close to being jailed for the offence.

The 19-year-old sent various Snapchats to the teen victim, who cannot be named, and also said he would get someone else to assault the complainant.

The photos sent and threats made by Manuel to the complainant were discovered after the teen reported the incident to police the following day.

Manuel previously pleaded guilty to one charge of possessing a bladed article. The incident occurred on January 19, 2023, in the Maesowen area of Welshpool.

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Prosecutor Helen Tench told Welshpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, February 20, that the victim had been in the Smithfield Bell pub with a cousin; the defendant’s brother and friends were also present.

Mrs Tench said: “The defendant was on the phone to his brother, who took the phone to the victim. He told them he would be bringing a girl down to fight the victim and he told them not to be there.

“The victim was then dropped off at their place of work and he (Manuel) began sending Snapchats, showing that he was near Tuffins.

“The images showed him wearing black gloves and holding a meat cleaver. Another was sent with it (the cleaver) on his lap. The cousin was then sent Snapchat messages, appearing to be heading to the victim’s address.

“The victim’s brother saw the defendant pull up at the address, then saw him get back in the car.”

Mrs Tench said the complainant reported the matter to police but then made a retraction the following day.

“The victim said they didn’t want to support a prosecution as it has caused them too much stress,” she said.

Police went to Manuel’s address, at Oaklands, Criggion Lane, Trewern, and the cleaver was located in his bedroom.

“He told police he’d taken the knife for protection,” said Mrs Tench.

“He didn’t know what he was expecting but says he had no intention of using it.

“He denied going to meet the victim or being outside their home address. He said he had sent Snapchats to let them know he had protection.

“They had told him he should not be driving round with a meat cleaver in the car.”

Rob Hanratty, representing Manuel, said his client had “complex issues” in is life that he was trying to come to terms with, which had led him to make “poor decisions”.

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“I have pointed out to him that the entry point is custody for offences of this nature,” said Mr Hanratty.

“His only mitigation is he didn’t produce this weapon in someone’s presence, he only sent messages."

Dr Rachael Jones, chair of the bench, told Manuel: “Having a meat cleaver was outrageous. We have considered custody; we have to say that it was an option.”

Instead, Manuel was handed an 18-month community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work.

He must pay £85 costs and a £114 surcharge. Magistrates ordered no compensation, but did order the destruction of the cleaver.