A DAD from Widnes who attacked a man and threatened his partner with a machete in front of children has been given another chance by the court.

Yan Marzelos, who lived at Monarch Court, Widnes, at the time of the offence, punched a man in the face in an unprovoked attack.

The offence happened on August 8, 2020, when a woman, her partner and young children were visiting her mum’s flat.

Marzelos, who was under the influence of alcohol, also threatened one of the victims with a machete, in front of children as young as seven months.

He appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty at an earlier hearing.

The 42 year old was given an eight month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

Alaric Walmsley, prosecuting, told the court how the family were alerted to Marzelos banging on the flat door at 11.15pm. They recognised him as he lived in the same building.

Mr Walmsley stated that Marzelos became aggressive and punched the man in the face while a 13 year old child tried to protect the victim and stood in between the air.

Marzelos then followed the man’s partner with a machete in his hand, calling her a ‘smack head’ and then hit the door with a knife in his hand.

The court also heard how the dad of three has 42 previous offences and 29 convictions, of ‘relatively minor nature.’

Defending, Stephen McNally stated how Marzelos has expressed ‘genuine remorse’ and described the offence as a ‘rare’ and ‘freak’ occurrence and explained how Marzelos has attempted to distance himself from his previous life that encouraged offending by moving away from the area.

He also told the court how it was the first time in around three years that Marzelos had an alcoholic drink and ‘has learned his lesson in the respect.’

Mr McNally explained how Marzelos was in possession of the machete because of his employment as a gardener.

The court heard how Marzelos is the primary carer for his mother who is bed bound after a stroke and advanced dementia.

Mr McNally said: ‘‘Because of his build, he is able to manage and lift his mother – something that his siblings cannot do.

‘‘He has his own health difficulties and is receiving medication.’’

Recorder, David O’Mahoney, stated how the aggravating factors were that Marzelos was under the influence of alcohol and vulnerable children were present.

Judge O’Mahoney concluded: ‘‘You play a key part because of your ability to lift and can communicate with your mother if she is distressed.

‘‘I state on this ground, and on this ground only, your incarceration would have a significant harm on other people.’’

Marzelos received an eight month sentence, suspended for 18 months.

He will also have to wear an electronically monitored curfew for three months at his mother’s address, take part in 20 days of rehabilitation activity, complete 80 hours of unpaid work, and was issued a restraining order.