An Elgin man threatened to kill his neighbours while brandishing a sword – after losing his temper at the noise they were making.
Young children playing in Meadow Crescent were terrified as Kevin Simpson marched through the street with the 2ft antique weapon.
The 35-year-old tapped the blade on the window of a property and said he “would kill” its occupants if they didn’t quieten down.
The court heard that the football fan had been drinking while watching the Scottish Cup final on May 27.
The accused took in the first half of the Aberdeen vs Celtic tie in a pub, before returning to his home on Meadow Crescent for the second half.
And Elgin Sheriff Court heard yesterday that was when he reached the end of his tether at the noise some neighbours were making.
Fiscal Alex Swain said: “People reported seeing Simpson in possession of a 2ft long sword with a large metal handle at the end.
“Those in the house where the accused was directing his attention told him they did not want any trouble, and closed the window on him.”
The fiscal said two boys, aged nine and 10, were playing nearby at the time.
She added: “One of the boys said they saw Simpson knock on the window with the sword and tell those inside to turn the TV down or he would kill them.”
Simpson told police the sword had belonged to his partner’s late father and had been kept in his attic since his death.
He said his intention was to “frighten” his neighbours, not to harm anyone.
Miss Swain added: “He admitted that after seeing the children nearby, he realised what he had done was stupid.”
Simpson later admitted charges of carrying a bladed item without reasonable excuse or lawful authority, and of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by “shouting, swearing and uttering threats of violence while holding a sword”.
Defence agent Matthew O’Neill said his client “fully accepted” how “foolish” his decision was.
Mr O’Neill added that there had been “ongoing difficulty” between Simpson and his neighbours.
Simpson was ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.