A MAN who threatened another man with a shovel in Ystradgynlais has returned to court

Daniel Smith, 23, was handed a community order by the court on May 12 for affray and threatening the man with an offensive weapon at an address on Gurnos Road on November 3 last year.

As part of this, Smith was required to complete 25 days of rehabilitation activity requirement.

However, Swansea Crown Court heard that Smith had failed to attend appointments on May 17 and 31.

The prosecution said that the probation service had reported Smith had “fully disengaged” with them.

“There has been no contact with him since June 16,” the prosecution said.

The judge, Recorder Neil Owen-Casey, was asked to continue the order.

Richard Ace, defending, said the address the probation service belonged to Smith’s “brother’s father”, but the defendant had fallen out with them and was made homeless.

“He’s been left to roam the streets,” Mr Ace said.

“He couldn’t physically get there [to his appointments] as he did not have any money.

“He has been begging off the streets in Cardiff.”

Mr Ace said Smith was a “vulnerable” man with “multiple” mental health issues.

Smith now had a stable accommodation with a family member in Swansea, the court heard.

Recorder Owen-Casey said Smith had failed to attend four appointments – one of which he had provided an “acceptable absence” – but only two of these were being pursued.

“Things are not going to improve until he does do some work,” he said.

“It’s not just the 25 rehabilitation activity requirement days. It’s the supervisory appointments and the signposting that comes from that.”

The judge ordered that Smith, now of Castle Street in Swansea, updates the probation service of his new contact details, and has six weeks to start co-operating with the community order.

He must return to court on August 18.

Addressing Smith, Recorder Owen-Casey said: “I understand your circumstances.

“You’ve got to understand the court is giving you a chance.

“If you don’t take that opportunity, we’re going to have to find another way to deal with you.”