A CONVENIENCE store visitor has been handed a suspended jail sentence over his actions inside.

Mark Parise acted in a threatening manner in the Widnes shop, smashing a bottle and holding it as a weapon.

The 36-year-old was subsequently charged with affray, criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

He indicated guilty pleas to all three counts at a previous hearing, with the defendant appearing back before Warrington Magistrates’ Court to be sentenced.

Sarah McInerney, representing the prosecution, informed the court how all of the offences were committed on Sunday, November 19.

Parise entered the Co-op store on Liverpool Road, where he threatened unlawful violence, causing people present to fear for their personal safety.

He smashed a £9 bottle of wine and held said broken bottle as a weapon.

Magistrates remarked that the severity of the offences justified a custodial sentence, paired with his previous record and the fact that a weapon was involved.

But a determination by the Probation Service that he is a realistic prospect for rehabilitation saw the sentence suspended.

Parise, of Brentfield in Widnes, was sentenced to 26 weeks in prison suspended for two years.

He must also complete 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days and pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85.

In addition, the court made a criminal behaviour order for the next six months, prohibiting him from entering or approaching the Liverpool Road Co-op store.