A MAN who threatened a group of friends with a kitchen knife while high on drugs at 1.30am walked free from court today.

Michael James Ford, 37, of New Street, Salisbury, was sentenced to six months in prison, suspended for one year, after admitting affray, possessing a knife and possessing a class-A drug.

Salisbury Crown Court heard that three men had been leaving the New Inn in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, when Ford appeared at a second-floor window shouting abuse and threats.

One of the group told Ford "wind your neck in" and he soon appeared in the street, armed with a black-handled kitchen knife, challenging the men to a fight.

When police arrived, Ford was back inside his flat, but soon began shouting more abuse from the window.

Officers arrested Ford, and a search of his flat revealed a small amount of white powder and a rolled up £10 note.

Defending, Sarah Brown said her client had been open and honest with the probation service about his drug abuse.

She said if her client was sent to prison, he would lose his home and the chance to undergo drug abuse treatment.

Judge Barnett said: "People ought not to be waving knives around and terrorising the citizens of Salisbury."

The judge said Ford had lost control of himself.

"You went out of your house and started waving a knife around and threatening people," he said.

"You have been conducting a personal battle against drugs and they will destroy your life unless you do something about it, as you well know."

Judge Barnett sentenced Ford to six months for affray, six months for possessing the knife and one month for the drugs, all to be served concurrently and suspended for one year.

Ford must also complete a 12-month supervision order.

He told the court he planned to enter rehab.

The judge said: "Mr Ford, you have got your chance, don't throw it away."