A MAN who threatened to kill police while running amok with a mezzaluna herb chopper has been spared jail.

Haydon Hegarty threatened to 'slice' police officers he had called to his home after he was involved in a trivial argument with his girlfriend.

But after hearing the 23-year-old was seeking help for his depression and bereavement issues a judge imposed a suspended sentence.

Colin Meeke, prosecuting, told Swindon Crown Court how the incident unfolded at about 10am on the morning of Monday, June 1.

He said police were called to Haversham Drive, in Haydon End, by Hegarty who said he was at home with his girlfriend and likely to harm her.

"Someone from the address had phoned the police saying that he would assault the woman in the flat and would assault the police when they arrived," he said.

When officers got there they heard a lot of noise with a woman screaming and a man shouting.

Fearing something untoward was going on officers went in and removed the woman who, though she appeared frightened, did not want to leave.

"The defendant was just inside the hallway. He was saying to police if they went in he would, as he put it, 'slice them up'," he said.

"They could see he was hyped up with rage. He made comments about his mental health and told them to get out or he would 'do them'.

"The defendant came to his doorway, he was clearly extremely agitated. He made threats to slice them, to kill them. He wanted to go to prison, to be arrested.

"Police then realised he had a mezzaluna knife in his hand. He was brandishing it towards the police."

The officers retreated to their patrol car with the girl as Hegarty threw stones at the vehicle before kicking the door, denting it.

Colleagues then arrived to detain him and when they got him to the police station he was foaming at the mouth and 'spat a full gob of phlegm' at the custody sergeant.

Hegarty, of Haversham House, Hayden End, pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage and possessing a bladed article in public.

Daren Samat, defending, said a report showed he did not appear to have any mental health issues which could be treated.

But he said he had problems with bereavement after the loss of his mother and was someone who had experienced anger from a young age.

He said the incident came out of a trivial argument and after he called the police to get his girlfriend out of his flat he overreacted because he thought they manhandled her.

"He is clearly a young man who requires some intervention," he told the court adding he had been recommended for a psychological course by his GP.

Passing sentence Judge Tim Mousley QC said: "It is said on your behalf what you did was out of character, and I accept that.

"Not only was it out of character but you were completely out of control. When you were arrested and taken to the police station you continued in such a vein.

"You threatened to assault the police and you may reflect on what the police may have thought turning up at your place having had that message."

He imposed an eight-month jail term suspended for 18 months with a rehabilitation activity requirement and a three-month nightly curfew.