A KNIFEMAN left bystanders terrified when he jabbed his weapon into the ground and muttered: “I'm going to f***ing kill some people.”

Simon Darlington was in the street outside his home when neighbours saw him with the blade and heard him make the threats, a court heard.

The 40-year-old then made two telephone calls to police, vowing to stab an officer involved in an earlier case.

Darlington was spared a prison sentence after a judge heard he could lose his home and would not receive the alcohol treatment he needs.

Recorder Alison Hunt imposed a nine-month suspended jail term with supervision after hearing he had not been in trouble until this year.

Darlington, of Tom Raine Court, Darlington, admitted affray, having a bladed article and two of sending abusive messages on August 18.

Teesside Crown Court heard how he was first seen pacing around outside, and after repeating his threat, thrust the knife towards neighbours.

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said during one of his calls to police, he was heard by the bystanders saying: “I want to kill some f***er.”

He demanded the officer come to the scene so he could “slice him up” and also said of an armed cop “I'll take him out as well.”

Another neighbour turned up and Darlington sat beside him and for no apparent reason pressed the knife against his throat and laughed.

Carl Swift, mitigating, told Miss Recorder Hunt that his client recognised that he has a drink problem and wants help.

“It is only through the recovery programme – a rigorous intervention – that the public can be protected from Mr Darlington."

Darlington's prison term was suspended for a year and he was also given a six-month alcohol treatment requirement by the judge.