A MAN who armed himself with a Samurai sword and an air rifle, and then broke into an RSPCA shelter in a desperate attempt to retrieve his dog, was jailed for 15 months yesterday.

Paul Lovie, 47, held armed police at bay for more than an hour-and-a-half while he remained holed up at the shelter in York, in March.

York Crown Court was told the trained sculptor and former BT engineer was devastated when he could not afford the vet's bills after his beloved Jack Russell was taken ill and needed to be put down.

After he was overheard to say he would "do it himself with a pickaxe", RSPCA officials confiscated the dog when he was not at home.

The court was told that Lovie, of Rose Street, York, armed himself with a Samurai sword, air rifle and pellets, lighter fluid and a hammer and broke into the Landing Lane shelter, in York, on March 29.

Dianne Campbell, prosecuting, said: ''He decided he would take matters into his own hands and go and get the dog.

"He attempted to convince the RSPCA and police into releasing his dog."

Once inside the property, Lovie contacted the police but was eventually confronted by Mark Williamson, whose girlfriend worked at the shelter.

The court was told Mr Williamson was left terrified by the ordeal after the weapon was pointed at him then accidentally discharged to the floor.

He eventually fled the building by climbing through a window, the court was told.

Armed police were called to the scene and, after negotiations lasting one-and-a-half hours, Lovie gave himself up.

Yesterday, he appeared for sentence on charges of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear or violence, having an offensive weapon and criminal damage.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing.

Sentencing, Judge Paul Hoffmann said Lovie was lucky to be alive.

In mitigation, Catherine Silverton said Lovie had no previous convictions and his actions were totally out of character. She told the court it was an act of desperation.

She told the court his dog had since died.