A GWENT man who wielded a machete in Brynmawr town centre received a suspended prison sentence.

Damion Welch, 21, of Rother Avenue, Abergavenny, was sentenced to eight months suspended for two years at Newport Crown Court yesterday (FRI).

He was also ordered to attend a low intensity drugs rehabilitation course for 12 months, a residency order was made stating he must live at his mother's address for 12 months and he had to pay £200 costs.

Welch took the weapon into Brynmawr on November 10 last year after hearing his then girlfriend had been seen kissing another man.

The couple argued on the phone and Welch said he heard a male voice in the background saying he would cut him if he came into town.

Welch travelled into Brynmawr with the machete, which he kept at home as an ornament, before getting out in Market Square at around 9.45pm.

He showed the weapon, which was kept in its scabbard, to his girlfriend and a friend of hers "to show how angry he was" and also wielded it at a group of men who were taunting him.

He returned the weapon to the car and was arrested by police at the scene shortly afterwards.

Laurence Jones, defending, said: "At interview, he explained he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol which affected his judgement."

Judge Christopher Llewellyn-Jones QC said: "Your behaviour was highly dangerous, your girlfriend and her friend acted with such commendable bravery.

"You came very close to going to prison, if you come back again, I have no doubt that is where you will end."