A north-east man who brandished a knife at workmen for making noise outside his home has been spared jail.
Three men were at work in a car park on Great Northern Road at around 11.30am when they were approached by Mihails Hodzajevs and asked when they would be leaving the area.
He was told they would be on their way in around ten minutes, but he reacted to this news badly and started shouting that they should be leaving sooner.
The 29-year-old then flourished a knife towards them and they got into their van.
Hodzajevs subsequently approached a window and started banging on it with the weapon.
Police were called and detained him, but did not find the knife on his person.
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Hodzajevs confessed to being in possession of a knife and causing a disturbance on March 12 this year during an earlier appearance in Aberdeen Sheriff Court where he returned yesterday to be sentenced.
The court heard he had a similar previous conviction which followed a dispute with a colleague at Pizza Hut.
Representing him, defence agent Gregor Kelly said he was otherwise a “productive member of the community.”
He added: “It is a serious matter, he himself realises that when a knife is used, there can be fatal consequences.
“He is earning around £1,000 per month, £400 of which is sent back to Latvia to his father who has suffered a stroke.
“He is a student at Aberdeen College studying tourism.
“He has become a productive member of the community and his friendship group are not involved in criminal activity at all.”
Imposing a sentence, Sheriff Sukwinder Gill said: “Can I suggest you consider another vocation other than tourism?
“On the basis that you are working and you are sending money back to your family and the positive terms of the report, I am prepared to consider alternatives to custody.”
She ordered Hodzajevs, of Great Northern Road, to carry out 270 hours of unpaid work.
