A MAN who wielded an axe in a spoof attack to frighten off teenagers parked up in a lay-by has today been handed a suspended prison sentence by magistrates.

John Daniel Powell, 28, of Hagg End Farm, Crook, was given an 84-day prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to complete 250 hours of community service and pay £300 court costs.

Powell, who pleaded guilty to possessing an axe in a public place and to using behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress, told The Westmorland Gazette that he might appeal against the sentences.

He claimed that magistrates had not heard all the evidence and he was discussing his options with his lawyers.

South Lakeland Magist-rates’ Court was told that Powell and his fiancee, Lucy Walton, 27, hatched a plan to spook the teenagers parked in a lay-by at Cleabarrows Lane, Crook, on October 20 Miss Walton was smeared in tomato ketchup, with her hair ‘messed up’ and pretended to be chased down the road as Powell ran behind her with an axe, said Peter Kelly, prosecuting.

Magistrates were told Miss Walton banged on the passenger door of the car shouting: ‘Let me in.’ Moments later, Powell turned up with a splitting axe in his hands.

The court heard that they had devised the plan after becoming increas-ingly frustrated with litter and anti-social behaviour in the area.

Presiding magistrate Ann Nelson said the reason why a prison sentence had been considered was because of the presence of the axe – regardless of how much intent there was.

She said there was a risk that the axe could have been used if the occupants of the car had confronted Powell.

But she also said that he did not pose a threat to the public, which is why he was spared an immediate jail sentence.

Speaking after the court hearing, Miss Walton said: “We’d just had enough and we’re glad this is over.”