A MAN who had to be tasered by police after attacking a rival's van with a crowbar has been given a chance to prove he has reformed.

Stuart Davenport appeared at Bolton Crown Court for sentence after admitting possessing an offensive weapon, using racially aggravated threatening behaviour towards his partner's ex-boyfriend and damaging his van.

Patrick Williamson, prosecuting, told the court how Peter Dlomo received a phone call from 44-year-old Davenport shortly before arriving home, parking his van on Blackshaw Lane.

But then Davenport then appeared wielding a crowbar which he used to smash the van's driver and passenger windows.

The men argued and police were called, arriving to find Davenport holding the crowbar over his head.

After he refused to put it down police had to use a taser to disarm him.

Following his arrest Davenport told officers he believed Dlomo had damaged his home's windows.

Only nine days earlier Davenport, of Thornbank North, Bolton, had received a community order from magistrates for harassing Mr Dlomo.

Mark Friend, defending, told Judge Timothy Stead that Davenport was an alcoholic who would drink up to eight litres of cider a day, but for the last two months has been seeking help for his addiction, cut down his drinking and has voluntarily given up his flat to move out of the area away from Mr Dlomo.

Judge Stead told Davenport he had thought he should send him to prison but was prepared to give him a chance to prove he can reform, adjourning sentence until January 22.

Judge Stead said: "If you comply then you won't be immediately imprisoned. If you fail in any regard than you know what to expect."