Simon Grayson, of George Street, Mablethorpe, admitted using or threatening unlawful violence on August 9.

After reading a fast delivery report, Skegness magistrates sentenced Grayson to six months custody, suspended for 18 months.

They imposed 18 months supervision and ordered him to take part in an Enhanced Thinking Skills Programme.

Grayson was also ordered to pay £150 costs and magistrates ordered the knife be forfeited and destroyed.

Prosecutor Paul Wood told the court at about 3.30pm on August 9, three friends were making their way past Grayson's address when water was thrown from his upstairs flat over the female in the group.

The party wanted to know what was going on and while they were banging on the door for a response, Grayson climbed out of the window, onto the ground floor bay window.

He was holding a metal vacuum cleaner extension pole, and was issuing threats of violence, said Mr Wood.

A witness saw a knife being handed to Grayson from within the property. Grayson then threw the knife towards the people below, missing one of them by inches, said Mr Wood.

Mr Asad Aziz, representing Grayson, said what had been youthful banter had escalated into something much more serious.

Grayson was ashamed and embarrassed about his conduct. He was very contrite and regretted his actions.

With the benefit of hindsight he realised how foolish and stupid he had been.

Grayson realised throwing the knife was totally wrong and could have resulted in dire consequences.

He would benefit from a lengthy community order focusing on thinking skills, said Mr Aziz.