Hammer thug thrown lifeline by judge after Wakefield-town street brawl
He was ordered him to keep every appointment, or be locked up
A thug who swung a hammer during a street brawl has been give five months to prove himself, or face prison.
Louis Tyrone, who has a history of violence, admitted affray and possessing the offensive weapon after the melee in South Kirkby.
Appearing at Leeds Crown Court, instead of sentencing him, Judge Ray Singh opted to delay his decision, telling him to return on March 1 next year, saying he wanted to "test his resolve".
Tyrone, 38, is already on a community order so Judge Singh said he "expected" him to keep all appointments with his probation until then, and remain out of trouble.
Stood in the dock, Tyrone said he had mobility problems with his legs, but this was quickly dismissed by Judge Singh, who told him: "If your best is not good enough, then you go to prison."
The court was told that Tyrone, of George Buckley Court, South Kirkby, became involved in the fight with other males on the evening of June 17 last year.
The incident took place around the West Street area in which punches were thrown and kicks delivered.
Tyrone is said to have pulled out a hammer and swung it at the males. He then was seen knocking on the door of a house shouting for help.
He later told police he was carrying the hammer for protection and "knew he was going to get jumped".
No mitigation was heard on Tyrone's behalf at this stage, but it was heard he has 35 previous convictions for 65 offences, including four for ABH and two for carrying weapons.