A MAN who threatened members of the public with an axe has been spared prison by magistrates.

Darren Oxley, 27, of Park Lane, Darlington, was spotted by serving soldier Adam Hughes waving an axe around his head.

He had taken it out with him while walking his dog after drinking heavily on August 13.

Ciaron Grogan, prosecuting, said he raised the axe and became abusive.

Mr Hughes alerted a taxi driver who contacted the police. When officers arrived, Oxley was still waving the axe. He was knocked to the ground and disarmed.

Oxley told police he carried the axe because he was having trouble with people in the area, but could not remember the night's events.

Chris Bunting, in mitigation, said his client had been experiencing problems at home and at work, with an internal disciplinary hearing due to take place next month.

Oxley pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court to having a weapon and using or threatening unlawful violence.

He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £110 costs.