A PREGNANT householder in dispute with a gardener over his work was bombarded with abusive messages, a court heard.

Kenneth Addison threatened to smash every window in the woman's home and told her to "f*** off" during the money row.

The 28-year-old also had a fight with a neighbour after those living close rallied around the neighbour and challenged Addison.

He walked free from Teesside Crown Court today (Tuesday) after a judge heard that he needs help for his problem-solving and aggression.

Addison lived in the same Middlesbrough street as his victim and had been asked if he could do some gardening work for her.

Prosecutor Jenny Haigh told the court that he did not carry out every job which had been agreed for the £250 payment.

He was asked if he would return to move the shed, and "sent some responses which were particularly unpleasant", said Miss Haigh.

After neighbours heard of the messages, Addison was confronted and armed himself with a knife which he waved in the street.

Julie Dixon, mitigating, said he had never planned to use the weapon to hurt anyone, but accepted that he was angry.

He had downed eight cans of lager before the drama on April 19, and had taken cocaine the night before, he told police.

The unemployed labourer had worked from the age of 16 until several years ago when he suffered a broken leg amid the depression.

Miss Dixon said he has since moved in with his girlfriend and her mother and hopes to get a job with a skip hire firm.

Addison, of Court Road, Middlesbrough, admitted sending a communication with intent to cause distress, and having a bladed article.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 100 hours' unpaid work, and 20 sessions of a rehabilitation activity requirement.

Judge Tony Briggs told him: "Those who go into public in a drunken state carrying a knife must realise that custodial sentences are frequently passed. It is how tragedies occur, isn't it?"