A DRUNK who took exception to his new neighbours barbecue party brandished his whirring electric chainsaw at guests. Jim Davis had previously threatened them with a large pair of shears and a baseball bat, a court heard. Twice he was led away by his rela

A DRUNK who took exception to his new neighbours' barbecue party brandished his whirring electric chainsaw at guests.

Jim Davis had previously threatened them with a large pair of shears and a baseball bat, a court heard.

Twice he was led away by his relatives, but then returned with the chainsaw.

Some of the guests were out in the street when he ran towards them waving the "weapon".

"Understandably they beat a retreat," said prosecutor Alan Landsbury. "They got into their garden and closed the gate when the chainsaw came over the top and began to cut it down, narrowly missing a man behind it."

Davis, 39, of Whomerley Road, Stevenage, pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court to affray.

On Monday he was given a 12-month prison sentence suspended for 18 months with an alcohol treatment programme, fined £250 with £250 compensation and given a three-year ASBO to curb his behaviour.

One condition is he must not have any tools or machinery with him in a public place other than for its intended purpose.

Mr Landsbury said Mr and Mrs Kenneth Wing moved into the road in mid-2006 and held a barbecue on July 22.

Davis was arrested that night and said he had drunk 10 cans of lager but was not drunk and tried to give himself an alibi.

Sophie Kemp, defending, said: "He has a serious alcohol problem.

"He concedes this must have been the most frightening incident for his neighbours and guests. But while on bail he has lived in close proximity to them and there have been no issues."

Judge John Bevan QC told Davis: "This was disgraceful and you have a long record for drunken violent and anti-social behaviour. But I propose to give you one last chance.

"Your neighbours must have wondered what sort of neighbourhood they had moved into."