AN axe-wielding menace who sparked an armed police response in Hetton-le-Hole has been jailed.

Alan Smith, 39, caused widespread panic in broad daylight as he loitered in the back lane behind a woman’s house in Hetton-le-Hole and threatened to hurt her on February 27 this year.

Smith was seen holding the axe aloft and making chopping motions – before the victim ran inside her home and contacted police.

Firearms officers were deployed to the area to search for the suspect and were later told he was inside an address in the Edderstone area of Washington. Officers put a precautionary cordon in place to protect the public and shortly before midnight, after a three-hour stand-off, Smith left the premises and was arrested.

The axe was found at an associated address in Shiney Row.

The Northern Echo:

Smith, of The Avenue, Hetton-le-Hole, refused to cooperate with police in interview but admitted possessing an offensive weapon and common assault when he appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.

A judge jailed him for nine months and also handed him a five-year restraining order banning him from contacting his victim.

PC Stuart Dobson, of Northumbria Police, said: “Smith’s terrifying actions that day caused a huge amount of disruption to residents in Hetton-le-Hole.

“Not only was his behaviour dangerous and selfish, but it also required a significant police response to ensure the safety of both himself and residents. His conduct took resources off the streets and away from others who may have desperately needed us.

“There can be little doubt that Smith deserves the custodial sentence handed down to him by the judge, and I hope he can use this time behind bars to consider the detrimental effect that his actions can have on not only himself, but the wider community.

“We treat violent crimes or those that threaten violence incredibly seriously and are committed to dealing with anybody who undermines the fabric of our communities swiftly and robustly.”

In a statement, the victim revealed the frightening incident has had a profound effect on her.

She said: “I felt scared to be alone in the house already, and even more so after this incident.

“I have no idea why Alan would want to scare me like this and I’m now worried what he might do to me in the future.”