A drunk man who pulled a knife on a dog walker in Gobowen is to be sentenced for the offence by a crown court.

Stephen Lavelle, 52 of Castle Heights in Flint, appeared in Telford Magistrates Court on Friday, July 30, to plead guilty to a charge of threatening a person with a blade.

It came after he had visited the Sandwich Bar in Gobowen on March 4 this year.

During his visit he made rude gestures towards the shop owner, and as he appeared very drunk the owner offered to call him a taxi.

As he left the shop he encountered dog walker Paul Jones. His dog barked nervously at Lavelle, and the defendant threatened the dog, making actions that suggested he was going to hit the animal.

The dog’s owner then told Lavelle not to touch his dog and said he would protect it, to which Lavelle threatened to hit him.

Lavelle said "come on then let's have a go" and pulled out a bottle of wine from his jacket, before putting it back and pulling out a craft knife instead.

He pointed it at his victim and extended the blade, saying "I'm going to cut you up".

The court heard how Mr Jones believed Lavelle was going to hurt him and backed away, while urging him to calm down.

Lavelle then put the knife back in his pocket before trying to shake hands with Mr Jones and walking away.

Shortly afterwards he was stopped by police and arrested.

The case was adjourned to Shrewsbury Crown Court for sentencing at a date to be decided.