A MAN faces prison after threatening two people, including a police officer, with an axe after a late-night drinking session.

Darren Oxley, of Park Lane, Darlington, became abusive and wielded the axe above his head, South Durham Magistrates' Court was told yesterday.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said the incident happened after Oxley, 27, who had been drinking, decided to take his dog for a walk near his home on August 13.

Adam Hughes, who works as a carer at Darlington Dog Rehoming Centre, in Sadberge, noticed Oxley was carrying an axe in his belt.

Oxley shouted at Mr Hughes in an aggressive manner and waved the axe above his head, said Miss Masters.

When police arrived, Oxley had blood on his hands and approached an officer with the axe, magistrates heard.

"Another officer approached him from behind and was able to knock Oxley to the ground and take the axe from him," said Miss Masters.

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.

"He had been drinking excessively to try to blot out the problems he is having in his life," he said.

Oxley pleaded guilty to having a weapon and using or threatening unlawful violence.

The case was adjourned until September 14 for a pre-sentence report, with a custodial sentence most likely.