A FAMILY dispute led to a Cowes man threatening his nephew with a crowbar, a court heard.

Gavin Richardson, 38, of Nelson Drive, admitted one offence of using threatening or abusive words or behaviour and a further charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, when he appeared before magistrates yesterday (Monday).

The court heard relations between Richardson and his nephew were 'not good'.

On April 26, in Mill Hill Road, Cowes, Richardson's nephew was with his partner, when his uncle drove by in a van.

Richardson pulled over before taking out a red crowbar which he 'raised in a threatening posture.'

Fearing for his safety, Richard's nephew ran back inside his home before calling police, said Ann Smout prosecuting.

Officers went to Richardson's home and found the crowbar.

Originally, Richardson's case was not going to come to court as police decided to make him subject of a conditional caution with a requirement he attend a victim awareness course.

However, Richardson failed to complete the course.

For Richardson, Oscar Vincent said: "It is to his lasting regret he did not take up the opportunity of the the victim course. He had no intention of injuring the victim."

Richardson was sentenced to a 12 month community order.

He was also told to pay £85 costs, an £85 surcharge and a £40 fine.