Drunken Adam Mackay jabbed the weapon at police

Drunken Adam Mackay jabbed the weapon at the patrol car window three times before walking off towards his home in Darlington.

He then dropped the knife, wandered back towards the vehicle and got into the passenger seat, before breaking down in tears.

The 22-year-old held his head in his hands and sobbed as he told the inspector: “I’m sick of my life and just want to go back to prison.”

Mackay got his wish, but only briefly, when he was arrested for the late-night affray, and remanded in custody for four weeks.

His barrister, Stephen Constantine, tried his best to persuade a judge that Mackay should not be locked up – and was successful.

Mackay was given a 12-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, with 18 months of supervision by the Probation Service.

Judge George Moorhouse also imposed a six-month curfew, from 6pm to 6am, and ordered him to attend an anger management course.

Teesside Crown Court heard that Mackay has a record which includes robbery, wounding and possessing a firearm when prohibited. Mr Constantine said the charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm was the result of him stabbing someone who had racially abused him.

Mackay had been arguing with his girlfriend when police were called to his home on June 28, said Rebecca Brown, prosecuting.

He was spotted by police outside his house in Greenbank Road and he approached the stationary patrol car holding the knife in his right hand.

After prodding the window and goading the officer, he threw away the weapon, got into the car and told the officer about the argument.

Mr Constantine said the couple are now reconciled, and Mackay’s girlfriend, who is from Newton Aycliffe, is expecting their child in December.

“Despite his experiences in his own upbringing, the defendant says he wants to be a positive role model for his child,” the barrister added.

Mackay admitted affray and possessing an offensive weapon.