A MAN was spared jail for going home and grabbing an axe before drunkenly returning to a pub where he had been hit in the face.

Jake Quinton, of Blenheim Road in Breightmet, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court yesterday for possessing an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

Quinton pleaded guilty to the offences at Bolton Magistrates' Court last month.

The court heard how on May 12 this year Quinton, aged 22, was drinking with a friend at the Tansay Green pub in Brodick Drive, Breightmet.

Shortly before midnight, the pair went outside to smoke cigarettes and started talking to three other men.

At one point the conversation took a 'wrong turn' and one of the men began acting aggressively towards Quinton and his friend.

An altercation broke out, during which Quinton was somehow struck in the face.

The landlord of the pub came outside and thought that Quinton had a machete but this was a drafters ruler and was going to call the police.

Before he could do so Quinton left the scene.

He then returned home and saw in the mirror that his eye was beginning to swell and went to an outhouse where he picked up the axe.

Quinton returned to the pub and smashed a small window by the door with the axe before members of the public intervened and restrained him.

The police were called and Quinton was arrested.

When he was arrested on of the police officers heard him say that he knew what he had done was stupid.

Roger Brown, prosecuting, told the court that eyewitnesses described Quinton as being drunk.

Kathryn Johnson, mitigating, said that Quinton was extremely ashamed by

what he had done and was remorseful about his actions.

She added that his actions were 'wholly out of character'.

He was of good character prior to the offence.

Mrs Johnson said: "He is a hard working young man from a good family.

"His parents are here in support of him this morning."

Summing up, judge Timothy Clayson added: "It is clear this is not normally how you behave.

"I am confident nothing like this will happen again."

Quinton was sentenced to six months in prison for possession of an offensive weapon, suspended for 12 months.

He was also ordered to obey an electronic curfew for three months from 8pm until 6am. Quinton must also pay £150 for the damage to the window and prosecution costs of £200.