Hotel patrons terrorised by knife-wielder

A MAN who terrorised pub patrons with a large serrated knife will spend two months behind bars.

Police were called to a Brisbane St hotel to be told Noel Edward Watterson, 37, had brandished the weapon at guests.

Security told officers Watterson and another man had left the hotel and were heading down Brisbane St.

When officers found him they discovered the large serrated-edge knife in Watterson's pocket.

Ipswich Magistrates Court heard this offence happened on September 21, less than a month after Watterson had been caught carrying another knife at The Federal Hotel on August 25.

Watterson pleaded guilty to three other charges involving driving a stolen vehicle while drunk on August 10.

The car's owner had parked his vehicle at his Brisbane home and later heard the engine revving, only to see Watterson fleeing in it.

The owner gave chase in his sister's car but couldn't find him, so notified police.

Officers tracked Watterson to the corner of Alice and William Sts and was breath-tested, blowing 0.139.

He was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of a motor vehicle, mid range drink driving and driving without a licence.

Watterson pleaded guilty to all five offences and was sentenced to six months jail, to serve two months.

The remainder of the sentence will be suspended for an operational period of 15 months.

He was also fined $750 and disqualified from driving for six months.

Magistrate Michael Quinn said the only reason someone would carry a knife would be for the purpose of using it against another.

"Offences involving a knife are very serious - waving a knife at other hotel patrons [and] obviously terrorising [them] with it," Mr Quinn said.

"Deterrence is needed for you and others."