A Stourport-on-Severn man who brandished a blank-firing pistol in his former girlfriend's flat was acting like "a drunken show-off," Worcester Crown Court heard.
Michael Hyde loaded the weapon but only made a vague threat before leaving, said David Iles, prosecuting.
Hyde, aged 28, of York Street, Stourport, admitted affray. He was given a two-year community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £578 costs.
The prosecution offered no evidence on a charge of possessing a firearm intending to put people in fear of violence and a not guilty verdict was recorded.
Hyde had been drinking heavily before he went to the flat in Old Ford Walk, Stourport, the home of his ex-girlfriend, Kate Percy.
Hyde, who had previous convictions for affray, arson and criminal damage, was "drunkenly showing off" said his barrister, Tim Harrington.
Judge John Cavell agreed and said custody would have been inevitable had Hyde pointed the weapon at someone and put them in fear.
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