A Thirroul landscaper who pulled out a 38cm-long pruning knife in the middle of Wollongong's Crown Street Mall during a confrontation with a rival has narrowly avoided spending more time behind bars.
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Brent Douglas has been in jail since August 22 when he was refused bail over the alarming incident, which took place in the middle of a working day.
However, in Wollongong Local Court this week, Magistrate Susan McGowan found Douglas had spent enough time in custody and agreed to release him on a 12-month, community-based intensive corrections order.
Court documents said Douglas was walking along the mall wearing high-visibility clothing and carrying several work tools as well as a small blue esky when he saw Caleb Long walking towards him.
The pair are known to each other and there's a history of animosity between them.
Upon seeing Mr Long, Douglas immediately removed a large knife from his pants and held it at waist height, pointing in Mr Long's direction.
Douglas moved towards Mr Long "in an attempt to intimidate him", causing Mr Long to step backwards, fearing he might be harmed.
There's obviously something going on you need to deal with. You certainly need [help with your] anger management.
The pair continued arguing as Mr Long walked backwards and Douglas advanced on him.
Douglas then turned and began walking away however Mr Long followed him.
The duo made their way up to Wollongong Police Station, still arguing, where their encounter was captured on video by the Mercury.
In the footage, Mr Long can be heard saying "you're pulling knives on me and what, you think you're all tough?"
Douglas was arrested and charged with being armed with intent to commit an offence.
In court this week, defence lawyer Jonathan Kearney said Douglas had been "traumatised" by his time spent in custody and had learned his lesson.
"He accepts he needs assistance regarding his anger management," he said.
"[But] in my submission he does have good prospects of rehabilitation."
Douglas was supported in court by his partner and parents, each of whom who wrote character references for the 26-year-old.
Magistrate Susan McGowan noted Douglas' actions had been opportunistic and not planned, but urged him to grow up.
"There's obviously something going on you need to deal with," she said.
"You certainly need [help with your] anger management."
As part of Douglas' intensive corrections order, he must complete 200 hours of unpaid work in the community and attend any programs recommended by his NSW Community Corrections caseworker.
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