A man accused of brandishing a sword in a South Oxhey street after being told to keep the noise down has been cleared by a jury.

Aaron Tucker, 24, was alleged to have pointed the blade of the weapon at Wayne Parkes in Prestwick Road and hurled abuse at him in the early hours of 23 February 2014.

Mr Tucker, of Otley Way in South Oxhey, was cleared of having an article with a blade or point. He pleaded guilty to causing racially aggravated harm or distress on the same night.

The jury at St Albans Crown Court heard that at 3.40am that morning, Mr Parkes was returning to his home in Prestwick Road, having been out to a 50th birthday party, when there was a confrontation.

Prosecutor Gabrielle McAvock said that, having got out his car, Mr Parkes was walking to the house when he became aware of the defendant nearby who was arguing with his girlfriend.

The court heard that when he told Mr Tucker to keep the noise down, the defendant became aggressive and abusive and said "I'm gonna mash your car up." He repeatedly called him a "black c..."

Tucker had 11 previous convictions for 28 offences, including possessing a blade and racially aggravated fear of violence.

Judge Stephen Warner adjourned sentence for a probation report to be prepared.