FRIGHTENED Aaron Palmer armed himself with a hammer after Timothy Buchanan swung punches at him. A microwave oven was smashed during the fracas at Mr Palmer s Prickwillow home, and a kettle was damaged. At Ely courthouse on Thursday, 37-year-old Buchanan,

FRIGHTENED Aaron Palmer armed himself with a hammer after Timothy Buchanan swung punches at him.

A microwave oven was smashed during the fracas at Mr Palmer's Prickwillow home, and a kettle was damaged.

At Ely courthouse on Thursday, 37-year-old Buchanan, of Cedar Court, Littleport, admitted using threatening behaviour on July 14.

The incident started after Mr Palmer argued outside with his former girlfriend, said Angela Sassoli, prosecuting.

Buchanan was there, and had been drinking. He shouted at Mr Palmer, and this escalated into punches being swung, which did not connect.

"Mr Palmer was frightened for his own safety and ran into his home address," said Mrs Sassoli. "He armed himself with a hammer, feeling he could be assaulted, and Buchanan followed him."

Buchanan threw Mr Palmer's microwave oven on to the floor, and a kettle was damaged. Buchanan also used foul language towards Mr Palmer, who was standing with the hammer.

When arrested, Buchanan said the incident was "alcohol fuelled."

Representing himself in court, Buchanan said he had drunk a couple of pints before the fracas, and Mr Palmer had been aggressive.

"I picked up the microwave to protect myself," he said, "unfortunately it got smashed."

The court ordered Buchanan to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay £95 costs.