A NEWPORT man who brandished a billhook at strangers and assaulted his own mother has been spared immediate custody.

Terry Lewis, of Barton Road, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court last Monday (September 6).

At a previous hearing on August 16, the 60-year-old admitted assault by beating, possession of an offensive weapon, and two counts of unlawfully and intentionally threatening another person with a billhook.

At the time, prosecutor Ann Smout told the court Lewis' mother had been the one to call the police on June 21 ­— after he became aggressive and pursued her around the house.

She said Lewis had been living with her at the time, with no means to support himself, and described him as an alcoholic who had bouts of abusive and aggressive behaviour, but was the nicest person when sober.

Mrs Smout said when police arrived, the pair were found in the garden, and the victim told officers she did not want Lewis to return to the house.

The court heard later, on August 14, two people had been driving into Westridge Car Park on Brading Road following an altercation with another driver.

Mrs Smout said Lewis, who was not involved in the altercation, approached their car and asked the pair why they were shouting and screaming.

He later returned with a weapon described as a machete and waved it in the air.

Mrs Smout said the victims drove off in a panic, then returned to film Lewis from a distance.

Police arrived and arrested Lewis, and the billhook was found on the driving seat of his car.

His case was adjourned for sentencing and a pre-sentence report was ordered.

Appearing at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court on Monday, Lewis was given a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months, to include 20 rehabilitation days.

He was ordered to pay costs of £150 and a £128 surcharge.

An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the billhook.