Jail for man who threatened police

Police had to use a taser gun to subdue a man who threatened officers with a kitchen knife, a court heard on Friday.Simon Johnson, 50, had earlier been involved in a violent dispute with his wife at their home in Necton after he had been on a drinking session.

Police had to use a taser gun to subdue a man who threatened officers with a kitchen knife, a court heard on Friday.

Simon Johnson, 50, had earlier been involved in a violent dispute with his wife at their home in Necton after he had been on a drinking session.

She had phoned the police and when officers arrived Johnson had taken a kitchen knife and was standing outside the property in a very aggressive state, Norwich Crown Court was told.

He told one officer that he knew they would be wearing stab vests and said: “I know you are wearing body armour but I know how to kill you.”

Stephen Poole, prosecuting said the officers had to use a taser gun to subdue him so he could be arrested.

Johnson, formerly of Chantry Court, Necton, admitted affray and possession of a knife.

Jailing him for eight months judge Simon Barham told him: “This was an extremely serious matter. The threat of violence with a knife in public is very serious in the current climate.

“Police are entitled to be protected by the courts as they carry out sometimes dangerous tasks.”

William Carter mitigating, said the incident was very much out of character for Johnson. He said when he had not been drinking Johnson was described as being calm and understanding.

He said that since the incident he and his wife had been living apart but there were no plans for a divorce.

He said Johnson was continuing to seek help for his alcohol problem and until this incident had stopped drinking for almost three years.

He added: “Since that night Johnson has not had a drink.”