Karina Gilliatt (18), of Howard Road, appeared before the town's magistrates on Thursday after admitting possession an offensive weapon.

Police were called to Howard Road on the evening of 25th August after a resident spotted Gilliatt, who appeared to be drunk, shouting abuse in the street and waving the sword around.

Gilliatt was allegedly heard shouting to someone to 'get back in your house or I will kill you'.

In interview, Gilliatt said she was extremely drunk and had passed out in her bathroom before going out onto the street with the sword. She could not remember making threats to kill anyone and had no intention of doing so.

The court was told Gilliatt had been drinking with friends on the night of the incident when an argument had broken out which spilled outside onto Howard Road.

Gilliatt went back inside the house and got the ornamental sword, which was hanging on the wall.

In mitigation, Richard Davis said nobody in the group had felt threatened enough by Gilliatt's actions to report the incident to the police.

"Miss Gilliatt is extremely shocked by her behaviour that day and does not remember very much of it," he added.

She was remorseful for her actions and extremely worried about going to prison as the incident was out of character.

Sentencing Gilliatt, magistrates said alcohol was no excuse for the incident, which must have been frightening for members of the public.

In addition to a 12-month suspended prison sentence, Gilliatt was ordered to complete 12 months under supervision and pay £60 costs.