A MAN who armed himself with a piece of pointed slate, assaulted and threatened people, has been given a suspended prison sentence.

At Wigan Magistrates' Court Michael Sheehy, aged 38, of Pilkington Road, Kearsley, admitted assaulting a woman, using threatening behaviour towards her and a man and possessing an offensive weapon in Carlton Street, Farnworth, on September 4.

Magistrates told him: "The court finds that this offence was motivated (wholly or partly) by hostility towards persons who are of a particular sexual orientation."

Sheehy was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months and was ordered to participate in an alcohol treatment programme for nine months plus 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

He must also undertake 40 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £213 in costs and charges.

A restraining order was made banning Sheehy from contacting his victims or going to Carlton Street.