A teenager was given an eight month sentence after threatening a man with a cigarette lighter in the shape of a gun.

Frank Williams, 19, of Bockingham Green, Basildon, committed the offence on the day he was released from a young offenders' institution.

Following a drinking session with two friends, they bought the silver, five inch lighter for £10.

They then visited a house in Benderloch, Canvey, where Williams believed his brother was staying.

Three men known to Williams were in the house and he threatened one of them by holding the fake gun to the victim's head.

He also hit one of the men with the butt of the fake gun and then holding a knife said to him, "we're going to cut you up."

Williams later said he only made the threats as a joke.

Basildon Crown Court heard how Williams had enjoyed just six months of freedom in the past three years. He has been locked up virtually full time since the age of 16 as the result of other violent offences, many of which were the result of excessive drinking.

The court was also told how Williams' girlfriend had given birth in February and that the couple were ready to build a home-life together.

Williams was given an eight month sentence for the charge of affray and one month for common assault to run concurrently.

As Williams has already been remanded in custody for four months he was immediately released after the sentence was passed by Mr Justice Michael Yelton.

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