A MAN showed up drunk at his sister-in-law’s house on Christmas Eve and threatened to throw a brick through her window because he wanted his son home, a court has heard.

Antonio Pereirra had been drinking before he arrived at Jennifer Pinto’s home in Elmina Road at 2.20am on December, 24 last year.

The 52-year-old of Rosebery Street was there because he was ‘feeling emotional’ and did not want to spend Christmas day without his 18-year-old son, who had moved out due to his father’s issues with alcohol, magistrates in Swindon heard on Wednesday.

Prosecuting, James Burnham said.“She had come home from work and had been there ten minutes and heard a loud bang on the door.

"Mr Pereirra was stood outside with a brick in his right hand. He was holding it above his head, looking like he was going to throw it. He kept saying ‘my son is inside’. She was very frightened and concerned.

"Police attended and he still had the brick in his hand they asked him four times to put it down.

“They were equally worried and sprayed him with PARVA spray and he still had the brick in his hand. More officers arrived and then he dropped the brick.

“No physical harm was done but it was an emotionally challenging experience for the lady concerned.”

Defending Sam Arif said: “There is a lot more behind this. Mr Pereirra drinks quite often and this has caused issues at home and so his son went to reside with his sister-in-law.

“Mr Pereirra is also taking medication which he shouldn’t drink with. He was feeling really emotional through the drink and prescribed medication as he wanted his son home for Christmas.

“His son is now back at home and he has little contact with his sister-in-law.”

Pereirra pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour, and for having an article with intent to damage property.

He also has a previous community order for a domestic offence, as well as common assault; including for hitting another occupant in Elmina Road with a light bulb.

Judge Simon Cooper said: “Your behaviour was concerning and you refused to calm down for the police and they had to use their Taser to stop you.”

Pereirra was given a 12 months restraining order from going to Elmina Road, ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and carry out 100 hours of unpaid work. He will also receive 20 sessions of drink rehabilitation with the probation service.