Eleven months ago, Darryl McMillan was out of control, yelling obscenities at his neighbours and threatening them.
On Wednesday, he was in a Sault Ste. Marie courtroom where he pleaded guilty to three offences, stemming from the incidents that occurred last June and July.
He was convicted of causing a disturbance by using obscene language, uttering a threat to cause bodily harm and breach of probation.
The court heard a man was walking his dog near a Chapple Avenue apartment complex about 7 p.m. on June 20.
McMillan yelled out a window, calling him a disgusting name.
About two weeks later, police were called to the same area at 9:15 a.m. on July 8 about a tenant threatening a woman in the lobby of the building.
The complainant described McMillan as belligerent and making threatening comments, assistant Crown attorney Karen Pritchard said.
He took a hammer out of his pocket, smashed it on the ground and told her: "I get to use the bigger end on you."
The prosecutor and defence lawyer Sarah Tucci jointly recommended a suspended sentence and probation.
Tucci said her 37-year-old client has mental health issues, and was in the middle of psychosis at the time of the incidents.
He was admitted to hospital for 72 hours where he underwent assessment and observation.
McMillan's medications were changed and this seems to be working for him, she told Ontario Court Justice Melanie Dunn.
His mental health is the best it's been, Tucci said. "He is remorseful" and is moving forward so nothing like this happens again.
Pritchard called the proposed sentence reasonable, indicating it takes into account McMillan's guilty pleas, his mental health issues and the steps he has taken.
The accused said he wanted to apologize to everyone he offended
"I'm in a very different position now. Looking back I have empathy," he told Dunn.
"I'm looking forward to closing this matter and staying out of trouble."
The judge noted his criminal record as an aggravating factor, but said McMillan is clearly remorseful.
"I'm impressed by the steps he has taken for his mental health issues," Dunn said, suggesting if he remains medication compliant he won't be in court again.
McMillan will be on probation for 18 months with conditions that he have no contact with the complainants and not go within 100 metres of them.
As well, he must take any recommended assessment and counselling.
Dunn also prohibited him from possessing weapons for three years.