Torrington man brandished axe and threatened to kill his victim

AN axe-wielding man threatened to kill his victim during a Christmas Eve brawl in Torrington.

Andrew Griffiths, 53, of Well Street, Torrington, brandished the axe in the town centre and threatened to kill Dave Jones during the incident.

Police were on duty around 8.30pm on December 24 when they heard reports of two men having an argument in Torrington square.

Mr Jones told officers Griffiths had threatened him with a knife and he was then seen leaving a nearby address with his hands behind his back.

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When confronted by police Griffiths stated he had a baseball bat but then revealed an axe before shouting: "I'm going to kill you, Jones."

Karen Ball, for the prosecution, told the court officers were so concerned they pulled out a Taser before arresting Griffiths.

In a statement Mr Jones said he had been drinking in the Cavalier in Torrington, when he saw Griffiths approaching looking upset and had asked him what was wrong.

Griffiths then brandished a knife.

Mr Jones told him he was not scared, to which Griffiths replied: "I'll get something else then."

Griffiths pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive or insulting words with intent to cause fear or provoke unlawful violence along with possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

North Devon magistrates committed the case to be sentence at Exeter Crown Court on February 21.