A SETTLE man who verbally threatened someone who he believed was unfairly picking on his friend, had been full of 'hot air', heard Skipton Magistrates.

Michael Valentine, 32, stepped in between an altercation between David Wood and Susan Knights in Kirkgate, Settle, over dog mess, the court heard on Friday.

Valentine told Mr Wood he was 'well connected to a bunch of serious people' that he knew 'gipsies' and that he did 'Thai kick boxing', warning Mr Wood to leave the woman alone.

The exchange was almost entirely recorded on a mobile phone by Mr Wood's partner, and handed over to police.

Valentine initially denied the public order offence, but changed his mind after seeing the video footage.

Valentine, who admitted using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, suffered from acute medical conditions and was not well, the court heard.

In mitigation, Keith Blackwell, said Valentine had felt sorry for Miss Knights and what he felt was robust treatment directed towards her from Mr Wood.

He added Valentine had significant medical difficulties and it was all a lot of hot air and bluster.

"He would struggle to knock the skin off a rice pudding, he is delicate and if he was to get into a fight with anyone, it could be fatal," said Mr Blackwell.

He made a big noise to frighten off Mr Wood and thought that would be the end of it."

Valentine, of Duke Street, was told by magistrates, who had read a letter from his doctor, that he was in a precarious medical condition and in a similar situation should 'engage his brain' first.

Valentine was given a 12 month community order with up to 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days. He will also have to pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £85.