A Milford Haven electrician has escaped custody after brandishing a golf club in his former partner’s face and intending to use it as a weapon.

Admitting the offence before Haverfordwest magistrates this week was Barry John, 41, of Skomer Drive.

The court was told that on May 30 his former partner heard a loud banging on her front door at Glebelands, Hakin.

“When she opened it, she could see that the defendant was drunk and holding a golf club in his hand,” said Crown Prosecutor Sian Vaughan. “She was concerned about what he was going to do with it and feared for her safety.”

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Meanwhile probation officer Julie Norman said the incident was the culmination of a difficult period in John’s life.

“The defendant and the victim had been in a 12-year relationship but a few weeks before the offence, the relationship ended and this has caused him problems," she said.

"He became angry earlier that day during a phone call with the victim and walked over to her house. It was a spur of the moment decision.”

Ms Norman’s comments were endorsed by Barry John’s solicitor, Mr Peter Tarr.

“My client has had a lot of trauma in his life,” he said.

“He’s come through cancer and was going through a difficult relationship ending.”

After considering the evidence John was sentenced to what magistrates described as a ‘high level’ community order which will continue for 12 months. This will include 15 RAR days (Rehabilitation Activity Requirement).

He was fined £120 and ordered to pay a £95 surcharge and £85 costs.

Magistrates also imposed a 12-month restraining order which prevents him from visiting or contacting the victim, other than through a third party.

An order was made for the golf club to be forfeited and destroyed.

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