An angry pensioner confronted a group of people with an axe because he was furious about them parking a camper van close to his home.
John West held the hatchet over his shoulder as he tackled his neighbour and their friend about the location of the motor home.
Perth Sheriff Court was told that the vehicle's owner had recently purchased it and had brought it round to show it to West's neighbour.
Fiscal depute Stuart Hamilton told the court: "One of the witnesses purchased a motor home and decided to drive to see another person.
"He arrived and parked outside and was joined by three others. They heard a loud bang on the passenger window and they saw the accused telling them to move the motor home.
"Two of the witnesses exited and began to argue with the accused. At a later point the accused reappeared with a silver hatchet.
"He had it rested on his shoulder and he continued to argue with both. He was asked why he had an axe and said: 'To cut your f***ing neck, you liar.'
"He pointed the hatchet at one of them. This continued until the accused eventually walked away." Another resident took the axe from West and hid it.
West, now of Auchterarder, admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner by having the axe in the street in Pitlochry in August last year.
Solicitor John McLaughlin, defending, said: "Mr West took exception to the motor home being parked in the grassy area. It started as a complaint and developed into an argument.
"Mr West had felt somewhat threatened and he took the axe. He accepts it was the wrong thing to do." He told the court his client was prone to "catastrophising" incidents and he had since moved to sheltered housing away from the location of the incident.
Sheriff Nigel Cooke said: "I'm prepared to accept this was provoked and out-of-character for you." He admonished West.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
