A man involved in a post-relationship confrontation with a former partner ended the day in a stand-off with police while in the woman’s home armed with a knife.

The spiralling events of Monday, April 8 brought Craig Bentham before Durham Crown Court for sentence after he admitting charges of affray, domestic-aggravated public order and causing criminal damage arising from the incident.

Chris Morrison, prosecuting, said it began on the victim’s return to her home in Burnhope, County Durham, after a few days away, on April 8.

She rang the police to report that someone, having forcibly entered her home, was causing damage.

(Image: Durham Constabulary)

Mr Morrison said Bentham had been in a relationship with the woman until December and there had been some difficulties between the pair since the split.

When she got home, she saw her ex-partner coming out of the garden gate heading towards her car in an angry-looking mood.

Feeling immediately in fear for her safety, she locked herself in the car, but Bentham positioned himself at the front of the vehicle and shouted for her to get out, threatening to smash up her home.

Mr Morrison said the woman felt defenceless and unable to drive away, as she was subject to a ten to 15-minute “tirade” of abuse from the defendant.

At one stage the defendant picked up a brick and threw it at the car window, before punching the wing mirror as he walked away.

When the woman later checked her house, she found personal items, crockery and the TV set were damaged.

Mr Morrison said the incident did not end there, as the police were called and, on arriving at the address, found the defendant at the rear of the property.

He was told to come out but became very defensive and told the officers if he did so, they would be stabbed.

Mr Morrison said it was taken as no “idle threat” as Bentham emerged, carrying a large knife, and then went back into the kitchen and tapped it on the windows.

(Image: The Northern Echo)

He went upstairs and opened a window, shouting more threats, goading the officers, saying if they went into the house someone would die.

As a precaution, a back-up firearms unit was called to the scene and an officer, standing outside with a Taser, was taunted by the defendant who claimed he could get to him before being hit by the stun weapon.

Mr Morrison said Bentham remained in the premises for some time before eventually coming out, having discarded the knife.

The 33-year-old defendant, of Conyers, in Nettlesworth, near Chester-le-Street, but formerly of Craghead, was arrested and charged, pleading guilty to offences at a plea hearing, last month.

Jamie Adams, in mitigation, said the defendant, who has remained in custody since his arrest on April 8, has no background of committing domestic violence.

Judge Jo Kidd told Mr Adams that given the time spent in custody, she was minded to pass a suspended sentence order, to include work with the Probation Service and a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Mr Adams said: “That was to have been my overall submission.

“It does look as if this man, who has something about him, has had a real wake-up call by the time he has spent on remand in custody.

“He wants to put his drug taking behind him which has been the source of his troubles in the past.”

See more court stories from The Northern Echo by clicking here

Darlington violent disorder: Police want to identify man

Full report as four participants in Sunderland riot jailed

Stanley man arrested in stolen motorhome on remote Scottish isle

Get the latest news, sports, and entertainment delivered straight to your device by subscribing to The Northern Echo by clicking here. 

Judge Kidd, therefore, passed a ten-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, during which the defendant must take part in 35 rehabilitation activity days and complete a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement.

She gave the Crown 56 days to return to court to see if the complainant in the case would like the protection of a restraining order.

The judge warned the defendant failure to comply with the order or the commission of further offences would most likely see him back behind bars.