A MAN has been given a suspended sentence for brandishing a knife and making threats.

Shane Eele, of Rooks Lane, Thame, admitted having a bladed article in a public place and using threatening words or behaviour.

The 48-year-old produced the knife outside Thame Snooker Club, in St Andrews Court, and told Louise Miller “I’m going to burn this place down” at around 10.30pm on December 22.

He then went to the Swan Hotel, in Upper High Street, Thame, where he made threats to Sian Coles regarding her boyfriend, Oxford Crown Court heard on Monday.

Jane Brady, defending, said Eele had split up from his wife about 18 months ago and was a full-time carer for his 87-year-old mother.

Recorder Hodge Malek said such offences would usually require jail, but in this case he would allow Eele to look after his mother.

He handed him two six-month sentences, to run at the same time, both suspended for 18 months, with 12 months of suprervision, and banned from entering any licenced premises for 12 months.