A COUPLE of men from Abergele who subjected another resident in the property they lived in to a “terrifying” incident involving an aerosol and a lighter have been jailed.

Paul Blood, 46, and Steven Mercer, 41, both of Marine Road, were sentenced to 12 and 27 months’ imprisonment respectively at Mold Crown Court today (September 19).

Both had previously admitted affray, while Mercer had also pleaded guilty to arson.

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Prosecuting, Philip Clemo told the court that, on April 15, Adam Thomas was in his room when he heard “banging on his door” and Mercer shouting at him to come out and fight him.

Later that day, Mr Thomas heard Blood banging on his door; when he opened it, he was confronted by Mercer igniting an aerosol can with a lighter, creating a “very large, violent flame”.

The door was only partially opened, but the flame was lit at the height of Mr Thomas’s head.

Defending Mercer, Simon Rogers said his client is “extremely remorseful” for his actions, and now understands how dangerous they could have potentially been.

Mercer, who has been “drug-free” for six months, was said to have a “poor record generally”, but had not been convicted since April 2021.

Representing Blood, Simon Killeen conceded that his client also has a “poor record”, but asked the court to acknowledge his guilty plea.

Sentencing, Judge Rhys Rowlands told the defendants that the aerosol and lighter was clearly used to “really frighten” Mr Thomas.

“It must have been truly terrifying for the victim,” Judge Rowlands said, labelling the incident a “revenge attack”.

To Blood, he said: “You didn’t have the aerosol in your hand, but nonetheless, you were part of a return visit.

“You must have known that there was bad blood, and of the intention to cause distress to the victim.”

Judge Rowlands told Mercer he evidently “held a grudge” against Mr Thomas, adding: “drink is plainly the root of your behaviour”.

Both defendants were handed a three-year restraining order, preventing them from having any contact with Mr Thomas, and will each pay a statutory surcharge.