A MAN who brandished a knife in a drunken rage, claiming someone had been rude about his dead mum, has been spared jail.

Rossi Sprules went to his flat to get the large blade after the argument following a drinking session at a neighbour's home.

But after hearing the 23-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, dropped the weapon when confronted by police and no one was hurt, a judge said he could suspend the sentence.

Hannah Squire, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how Sprules had been at Angela Peacock's flat on November 28.

A number of people were there drinking too much, she said, including Jason Winter who was becoming aggressive and was asked to leave.

"This defendant's first reaction was to be defensive of the lady, Miss Peacock. Mr Winter then turned his attentions to Mr Sprules," she said.

After Mr Winter was thrown out the defendant went home before returning armed with the knife, waving it at Mr Winter who was being detained by police.

He shouted 'I'm going to kill him', she said, but when he was told by officers to show his hands he immediately dropped the weapon. He later told officers he had reacted after Winter had insulted his late mother, adding: 'I know I shouldn't have got the knife'.

Sprules, of Little England, Chippenham, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.

Nick Fridd, defending, said while his client accepts he should not have come out with the knife, he dropped it as soon as he was told to.

Passing sentence judge Tim Mousley QC said "On November 28 you were at your neighbour's flat. There were a group of people there.

"Trouble broke out and on person became abusive to other people. He turned his attention randomly towards you.

"You reacted by going home and emerged later with a knife. the police were already there. You at first refused to drop the knife but the incident was short-lived.

"You were drunk, most people were, but you were rapidly compliant. You admitted matters at the scene."

He imposed a 12-month jail term suspended for two years with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and thinking skills programme.