A MAN who threw a gate at his neighbour in Trevor during a row over a £10 debt has avoided a prison term.

Michael Jurkojc visited the property at Charles Avenue it was said to claim a £10 debt from the family’s 16-year-old son.

The father opened the door thinking it was a takeaway delivery, but Jurkojc forced his way in and started making threats, saying he would cut his victim’s throat before striking him with a closed fist.

Prosecutor Justin Espie said the householder fought back and struck Jurkojc twice on the head. But as he left the defendant picked up a metal gate and threw it as his victim, narrowly missing him.

“The man’s wife and son were terrified. He made threats to cut the victim’s throat and kicked the front door and smashed two plant pots,” said the prosecutor.

Jurkojc, 23, now of Bron Y Graig, Tan Y Graig, Cefn Mawr, admitted assault, affray and criminal damage on August 8 this year when he appeared before North East Wales Magistrates’ Court.

Patrick Geddes, defending, said that Jurkojc had no recollection of the incident because he had been drinking.

“He is ashamed of his behaviour and the incident was all about a £10 debt,” he said.

Jurkojc was handed a 26-week prison sentence, but District Judge Gwyn Jones suspended it for 12 months.

He ordered the defendant complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay compensation of £44 for the damage and £200 to his neighbour.