A MAN has escaped an immediate jail sentence after pleading guilty to brandishing a knife in public.

Michael Jackson, of Waterloo Road, Runcorn, was sentenced to four months in prison suspended for 12 months after admitting one charge of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

The 41-year-old was also ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work following the hearing at Chester Crown Court on Friday.

He was also handed a three-year restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim.

Jackson was arrested after police were called to Farnworth Close in Penketh on June 21 at 12.25am following reports of a disturbance.

Jackson pleaded guilty to the charge at Halton Magistrates’ Court earlier this year.