A MAN chased a policeman out of his home wielding an axe because he was angry when he was woken from a drunken sleep.

Michael Wright, 39, of Forber Avenue, South Shields, was woken by police banging on his front door at 10.30pm on February 11.

Newcastle Crown Court heard how he stumbled to his door to be greeted by officers asking for Kevin Tipping.

John Lowe, prosecuting, told how Wright invited them in and then suddenly grabbed an ornamental axe from the wall and waved it at officers, who fled in panic.

Mr Lowe said: "It appears being woken up from a drunken sleep and being asked if he was Kevin Tipping caused him some consternation."

Wright was later arrested outside his home. He was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order yesterday after admitting affray