A Neyland teenager, who threatened a man with a kitchen knife, narrowly missed a jail sentence at Haverfordwest magistrates court on Tuesday.

Hayley Natasha Talman, aged 18, of Gordon Parry Road, admitted using threatening words and behaviour towards David Whatling with intent to cause fear of violence, on March 14th.

The court heard that after arguing with a neighbour, Talman, who works at a Neyland pub, went back into her house and retrieved a seven inch knife from the kitchen.

Prosecutor Ellie Morgan said: “She stood in the middle of the road shouting ‘I’m going to kill him’.”

Miss Morgan said that after Mr Whatling pushed one of her friends, Talman’s “anger dictated her behaviour”.

Matthew Greenish, defending, said that Talman, who was cautioned in January for assault, reacted badly to Mr Whatling’s treatment of her friend.

He said: “Due to emotions running high, Miss Talman made the extremely foolish decision to go outside the property and make threats.”

He added that after another friend stepped in, Talman put the knife back inside the house.

Probation worker Julie Norman, who carried out a report on Talman, said that excess alcohol affected the defendant emotionally.

She said: “Miss Talman, who was not only drunk but wielding a knife, is extremely remorseful for her actions.”

Sentencing Talman, the presiding magistrate said: “The first incident in January was bad enough, but to have another one so close and go up a level of seriousness so quickly, is quite alarming.”

Talman was given a 12-month community order, with alcohol and anger management requirements.

She was also ordered to pay £85 costs.