A FATHER has been given a restraining order after brandishing an ornamental samurai sword in a room where there was an 18-month-old baby.

David Flynn, 41, of Milton Road, Widnes, was charged with affray after a family argument escalated and Mr Flynn threatened to use the sword to harm himself.

Mr Flynn pleaded guilty at Warrington Crown Court on Friday.

Peter Hussey, prosecuting, said: “The defendant was in the living room and had been drinking.

“He began swearing during an argument which stems from continuing friction with his daughter and ex-partner.

“When sober he admitted there had been a row and he had picked up the sword during the course of the argument.”

The court heard that Mr Flynn brandished the sword in front of his 20-year-old daughter, an 18-month-old baby and two other children.

Simon Berkson, defending, told the court that Mr Flynn’s wife had attacked him in the past.

Judge Nicholas Woodward ordered Mr Flynn to complete 160 hours of unpaid work and prohibited him from contacting or approaching his wife or daughter for 24 months.

He said: “It must have been an upsetting experience for them in such a small room.

“At your age, the time for nonsense has gone and you have got to show a level of responsibility.”