A MAN has been sentenced for brandishing a knife in public while under the influence in Bridgwater.

Jason Woods, aged 47, appeared at Taunton Crown Court on Wednesday, February 5 to be sentenced over the incident which happened on August 29 last year.

Appearing on behalf of the prosecution, Christine Hart explained that CCTV footage had captured Woods' action on Salmon Parade in Bridgwater.

The court was shown the footage which showed Woods stumbling, holding a baseball bat and a small knife, clumsily clearing cardboard outside a property.

Judge Paul Cook said Woods behaviour was 'bizarre', and that he was clearly under the influence of some substance, but that he was not threatening anyone directly.

Patrick Mason, defending, said Jason Woods struggled with mental health issues, but was a pleasant and co-operative individual.

Mr Mason said Woods had recently agreed new accommodation in a new town and was looking to make a fresh start.

Sentencing, Judge Cook said: "It is clear from the footage that members of the public were not overly alarmed by your behaviour, and you were not shouting or threatening.

"However it is still very concerning when someone is brandishing a knife and it comes with the potential to escalate."

Woods was also sentenced for possessing cannabis, and in total was given a sentence of four months in prison, suspended for 12 months.