A JUDGE told an offender he would be amazed how many times a diagnosis of ADHD was used as an excuse for criminal behaviour, at the Isle of Wight Crown Court on Friday.

Scott George Parker, 18, of Whitepit Lane, had chased someone down the street while carrying two kitchen knives, and threatened his neighbours along the way.

He admitted possession of a knife in a public place, and two counts of using threatening or abusive words to cause harassment, alarm or distress, on the evening of March 14.

He was also in breach of a conditional discharge for a previous offence.

Philip Allman, prosecuting, said a brick was hurled through one of the windows, where Parker lived with his grandmother.

He demanded his grandmother give him a knife and she refused, but he grabbed two from the kitchen and stormed outside to look for the perpetrator.

Parker's neighbour heard him shout "I'm going to kill someone tonight" before he verbally abused her and her daughter.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Parker was his grandmother's primary carer and vulnerability issues himself, including a confirmed diagnosis of ADHD.

He said Parker's cousin was someone familiar to the criminal justice system, and he had travelled from the mainland to the Isle of Wight for a court appearance.

Word got out that the cousin would be staying at the house overnight, and the people who had ongoing issues with him decided to make their presence known, but Parker's cousin wasn't there.

Mr Vincent said Parker's actions, equipping himself with the knives, was "completely inappropriate" but was impulsive and not pre-planned, and the distance he ran was short.

Mr Vincent said his behaviour was entirely symptomatic of his conditions.

Judge, Recorder Malcolm Gibney, told Parker: "ADHD. You would be amazed how often that diagnosis is used in court as an excuse.

"You are 18 years of age and have been in court previously. This is the second time for a bladed article offence.

"It is quite clear your thinking skills are pretty limited and your behaviour is unacceptable."

He said because Parker had got himself a full-time job he was "just persuaded" he need not go straight to prison.

He said: "I've given you a second chance, you won't get a third."

Parker was sentenced to eight months in custody, suspended for two years.

He must undertake 25 hours of rehab sessions and 100 hours of unpaid work.