A KNIFEMAN who terrorised townsfolk and attacked cars with a samurai sword has been jailed for eight years.

Wayne Bates, 23, of Avon Crescent, Chilton Moor, Houghton-le-Spring, was jailed after a judge heard how he had threatened passers-by with a hunting knife, then drew a samurai sword and held a man hostage in his own home.

At Newcastle Crown Court, Bates received consecutive jail sentences of eight years for false imprisonment, five years for attempting to kidnap and 18 months for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place. He pleaded guilty to the offences.

There was no separate penalty for possession of ecstasy, a class A drug.

Robin Denny, prosecuting, said that on July 13, Bates jumped into a car belonging to 34-year-old Gillian Hope as she drove down Morton Crescent in Houghton-le-Spring.

He pulled a hunting knife from his pocket and ordered her to drive and when she refused he took a samurai sword from beneath his T-shirt. Ms Hope then escaped from the car.

Bates left the car and ran on to a railway line and on to a busy road, where he attempted to stop approaching cars by pointing the sword at their windscreens.

He then ran to the door of a family home in Briar Lee and threatened owner Andrew Cockburn by putting a knife to his throat.

Mr Cockburn's throat was cut by the pressure of the blade.

John Adams, defending, said Bates had armed himself with the Samurai sword to confront a gang of armed men who had threatened him in the street.

He said Bates was ashamed of his behaviour.

The judge ordered that £300 from public funds be awarded to Mr Cockburn and Ms Hope, as reward for their public spiritedness and bravery.