A chef and former builder used a claw hammer to strike a man after he became involved in an argument with a group of US service personnel in Norwich in the early hours of the morning.

Alessandro La Pira, 42, was walking behind the group following a night out in the city when one of them, a woman walking in heels, fell over.

Norwich Crown Court heard La Pira, an Italian national, made a comment to her but was then told by one of the US servicemen to go away.

Naila Hadid, prosecuting, said an argument ensued in which La Pira got a claw hammer out of his bag and "made an attempt" to hit him with it.

The victim was struck and also punched in the face by the defendant after he put the hammer down.

Eastern Daily Press: St Augustines Street, NorwichSt Augustines Street, Norwich (Image: Newsquest)The prosecutor said there was a "risk of serious disorder" as a result of the incident, which took place in St Augustines Street at about 3am on April 15 last year.

La Pira, of William Kett Close, appeared in court on Monday having admitted threatening another with an offensive weapon and two counts of common assault.

Imposing a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, Judge Anthony Bate said the defendant, who spoke through an interpreter, had "foolishly" taken the hammer out of his bag.

Eastern Daily Press: Judge Anthony BateJudge Anthony Bate (Image: Newsquest)The judge said "fortunately, it caused no injury" but it "could so easily have done so" and that the consequences could have been "grave or indeed tragic".

John Morgans, mitigating, said La Pira, had pleaded guilty to the offences and "accepts responsibility for his criminality".

He said the defendant was "remorseful".

Mr Morgans said it was a small hammer that he had on him at the time as he was working in construction.

La Pira was also ordered to undertake up to 20 days rehabilitation treatment requirement (RAR) and a 12-month alcohol treatment requirement.