A 22-YEAR-OLD man who brandished a knife towards police was brought to ground by a police dog called Sharkie after officers had Parva sprayed him.

Blackburn magistrates heard Jack Saint had made the phone call which took police to his flat in Clarence Street, Darwen, where they saw him standing bare chested in the window.

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Officers eventually forced entry to the flat after hearing a distressed woman screaming. Saint, 22, pleaded guilty to affray.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months and ordered to complete 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement and pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said when officers saw Saint his eyes were glazed and his pupils dilated and they suspected he was under the influence of more than just alcohol.

When they kicked open the door they were confronted by Saint who was holding a knife to his own throat.

“There was genuine fear he was going to harm himself or the female who was still screaming,” said Miss Allan.

“He was warned three times to put the knife down but instead he turned it towards the police. At that point he was sprayed and the dog released. He dropped the knife when the dog bit him on the leg.”

Miss Allan said the use of the knife was a seriously aggravating factor as was the presence of the vulnerable female.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said his client accepted that his behaviour was appalling and police officers did not need to find themselves in that kind of situation.

“His mental health problems combined with drink has had an explosive effect on him on this night,” said Mr Taylor.

”He is seeking the help he needs and hopefully that will help him to move forward with his life.”