A man told security staff at Chester Cathedral ‘this place is going to go up’.

John McKeon was initially charged with ‘bomb hoax’ over the incident after visiting the cathedral last year.

The charge was later changed however to threatening to destroy property, which was admitted by the defendant.

He was subsequently sentenced at Chester Crown Court, where he was spared an immediate jail sentence.

John Oates, representing the prosecution in the case, informed the court that the episode unfolded on April 19 last year.

A music event was taking place at the venue, with the entry guarded by two security guards.

The concert in question was Queen by Candlelight, featuring West End singers and a live rock band, performing songs from the band including Bohemian Rhapsody, and We Are The Champions.

Confirmation of a ticket and a bag search was required to enter.

The defendant approached the entrance at around 7.30pm and security conducted a search of the bag while McKeon walked into the cathedral without it.

Staff suspected that he did not have a ticket and security followed him inside and escorted him out.

As the 56-year-old was leaving, staff shouted to him that he had left his bag and that he could collect it.

But the defendant made an ‘arch shape’ with his hands and said ‘boom’.

He also said: “The place is going to go up,” adding that a friend was already inside.

McKeon was also reported to have said: “I have got something big planned for May 6 for King Charles.”

The incident was reported to the police and the defendant was later charged.

In sentencing, judge Patrick Thompson felt that the severity of the case merited a custodial sentence.

However, he drew back from making this immediate, opting instead to impose work aiming to rehabilitate the defendant.

McKeon, of Clifton Street in Latchford, Warrington, was sentenced to nine months in prison suspended for two years.

During this period, he must also complete 35 rehabilitation activity requirement days.