A TEENAGER armed himself with two kitchen knives and threatened to stab a police officer during a stand-off at a hostel for the homeless, a court heard.

Darren Watson laid siege to an office contained within the flats complex, throwing and kicking items and being verbally abusive as terrified staff cowered inside.

Teesside Crown Court was told the 19-year-old, who was living in the emergency accommodation in Hartlepool for young people with complex needs, was “full of rage and anger” and claimed he was owed money by a fellow resident.

Watson threatened to “bray” and kill the resident in question before turning his attention to a female manager working in a front office at Gainford House on the morning of September 19 this year.

She told him to calm down, but he became angry, kicking the door and becoming abusive towards her. He also picked up a metal bin lid and threatened to smash a car with it.

Prosecutor Sue Jacobs said Watson then returned to his own flat and came back with two kitchen knives which he waved around. By this stage police had been called.

“He said ‘I am going to stab the first police officer I see and I am going to stab you too’,” said Mrs Jacobs.

“The [member of staff] was alarmed and distressed and felt violence was going to be used imminently against her.”

Police arrived and handcuffed Watson, also seizing the knives, but he continued to make violent threats while being taken to a nearby police station.

Watson, of Ibbetson Street, Hartlepool, admitted having an offensive weapon, common assault and a public order offence.

His barrister Peter Wishlade said he displayed considerable immaturity and an inability to control his temper.

“He has little recollection of the offences, but does remember collecting the knives," he added.

Mr Wishlade added that “prison was not the place for him” because of his emotional and mental health needs.

Judge Howard Crowson said he was going to lock Watson up and had considered an 11 month jail sentence.

However he changed his mind, instead giving him a one year community order with supervision from the probation service. He told Watson: “I am giving you a chance, but it is in your hands now.”