A MAN who threatened to ‘chop up’ a police officer while wielding an axe above his head has been jailed.

Burnley Crown Court heard James Lee Cropper, who has a history of attacking police officers, continued to make threats even after being tasered three times.

While being taken from a police van to the custody suite Cropper, who gave his address as Hollands Close, Rawtenstall, then spat in the face of a police sergeant.

Judge Jonathan Gibson said: “You are 33-years-of-age and you have in anybody’s view a poor record for offending, particularly in relation to the police. I have to sentence you for affray, possession of an offensive weapon and common assault, all of which arose out of an attempt to arrest you.

“It appears that you were subject to the taser during the course of that incident and that you were hurt as a result but you brought that on yourself.

“The affray involved you brandishing an axe, which was a fearsome looking weapon, and threatening to chop the officer up.

“I have to say this was a serious incident and to deal with it with anything other than an immediate custodial sentence would send out the wrong message.”

The court was told that the incident began after Cropper, who was wanted by police, was spotted in Waterfoot by PC Callam Nuttall.

Prosecuting, Daniel Prowse said Cropper ran into a Co-op Store, in Burnley Road, Waterfoot, and told PC Nuttall: “You are not arresting me. Get away from me.”

Cropper ran off up an alleyway and got into a stolen car. He was followed by police for a short distance and after abandoning the vehicle was warned to stay where he was because he was wanted for arrest.

It was at that point Mr Prowse said Cropper pulled out an axe and began to run towards PC Nicholas Haworth shouting: “I am going to chop you up.”

Cropper, who was jailed last year for attacking two police officers and escaping lawful custody, was then tasered and fell to the ground, injuring his chin.

While on the ground he continued to make threats and said: “You better get back. I am going to kill you.”

Cropper pleaded guilty to affray, assault by beating and possessing an offensive weapon.

Defending, Phillip Holden said his client had suffered bullying during the four months he was in custody awaiting sentence and was also unable to attend his brother’s funeral.

Mr Holden said: “There is no doubt Mr Cropper has had problems over the years with alcohol and drugs. So it was on this occasion.

“When he got into the car he maintains the axe was in the car. He panicked when the police stopped him near a sports ground in Rossendale. He threatened the police officer with the axe. Thankfully no-one was injured.”

Judge Gibson sentenced Cropper, formerly of Burnley Road, Bacup, to 15 months imprisonment and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the axe.

Judge Gibson sentenced Cropper, formerly of Burnley Road, Bacup, to 15 months imprisonment and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the axe.