A man who was waving a kitchen knife around while threatening to kill his neighbours and their dog in Penryn early one morning had very little recollection of it, his solicitor Elliott Moore told Truro magistrates.

Benjamin Harvey, aged 29, who gave his address in court as Kersey Close, Flushing, had been under the influence of drink and/or drugs at the time, he told the Bench.

Harvey pleaded guilty to affray on February 23 and was before the court for sentence after a probation report had been ordered.

Gail Hawksley, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said the incident, which started at around 8am, had involved the Bennetts family who were neighbours of Harvey.

He was being verbally and physically abusive towards them outside their home and, at one time, after waving a kitchen knife around, had pushed his hand in the face of Tom Bennetts, threatening to kill him, his family members and the family dog.

The Bennetts feared for their safety, and the police were called after Harvey had threatened: “I can make your life hell. I have got friends. I am your neighbour.”

He then swore at the family, adding: “You know what I am capable of.”

Harvey, who had no previous convictions, was said by Mr Moore to have been advised to see his GP and take counselling.

One of the neighbours had said Harvey had not been aiming the knife at anyone that morning, but had been just making patterns in the air with it. She said there had been difficulties between them before, verbal arguments, and he was very paranoid over issues relating to an all-night party and noise. He had been polite about it but when he drank he became a different person.

Harvey was told to take part in an alcohol specified “activity requirement” and to complete 80 hours of unpaid work. He had to pay £145 costs and surcharge.

He told the magistrates he was very sorry for his behaviour to his neighbours and was now making changes for the better to his life style.