A TAVISTOCK man visiting his local bank pulled out a hunting knife and threatened a couple in a row over parking, a court heard.

Landscaper Robin Gisby crept up behind his victim in a BMW, wound down a window and brandished the blade in what was described as an 'appalling' incident.

The 25-year-old was told he was lucky to avoid jail when he was sentenced at Plymouth Crown Court last week.

The court heard how a Tavistock couple were passing the NatWest Bank at around 10am on February 27 when they spotted a BMW parked on the pavement. The man pointed out it was illegal, triggering a heated exchange that only ended when Gisby told him: 'Next time I see you, I'm going to smash the back of your head in'.

The couple made a swift exit, the court heard, but Gisby followed them, drawing up alongside the pair in his car.

He opened the passenger window and, leaning towards it with a knife in his left hand, said: 'Next time, you'll get this'.

The terrified couple called the police and Gisby was stopped at about 10.45am.

He initially denied anything had happened, but revealed the knife —which was hidden under the passenger seat — when they demanded a search of the vehicle.

In interview, Gisby told officers he needed the blade to cut wires and turf at work. He said he was 'wound up' that morning as a customer had failed to pay a bill.

Llewellyn Sellick, defending, told the court the incident was 'wholly out of character' for Gisby.

'This is the first, and I dare say the only, time Mr Gisby will be before a court.' he said.

Gisby, of Deacons Green, had admitted possessing a bladed article and using behaviour likely to cause distress. A further charge of common assault was withdrawn.

Mr Justice Royce described Gisby's behaviour as 'loutish', telling him he was lucky not to find himself behind bars.

He said it was apparent Gisby was 'a fundamentally decent, hard working man', but said he had 'behaved like a complete idiot'.

Gisby was given a two-year community order for each offence, to run concurrently, ordered to carry out 115 hours of unpaid work and told to pay £750 towards costs.