POLICE deployed a Taser stun gun and incapacitant spray to arrest a man accused of acts of domestic violence.

The action was taken as Colin Walker armed himself with a knife after police arrived at the house in Bishop Auckland to carry out the arrest, on May 20.

Durham Crown Court heard that it followed a complaint by his estranged wife over alleged violent incidents in preceding months during their relatively short marriage.

Oliver Thorne, prosecuting, said it culminated with her asking him to leave the home on May 15, at which Walker pushed her firmly backwards, causing her head to hit the floor, leading to a brief loss of consciousness, and pain in her back.

Mr Thorne said she required hospital treatment for whiplash injuries for which she was given painkillers.

The day after her return from hospital the complaint was made to police, leading to officers visiting the premises on May 20.

Mr Thorne said as there was no response to knocks, officers entered and were confronted by Walker, who ran upstairs.

After an officer grabbed his wrist, he was permitted to visit the toilet and go into a bedroom to switch off an electrical appliance.

But Walker then bolted downstairs with the three police officers in pursuit.

The defendant, who had become more unco-operative and verbally aggressive, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and emerged into the dining room brandishing it in front of the officers.

Mr Thorne said it was then that the decision was made to deploy the Taser and use the CS spray to detain Walker.

He retreated into the kitchen and dropped the knife into the sink, before he was handcuffed and taken to a police station.

The court was read a statement from his estranged wife referring to the emotional impact of the abusive relationship, for which she is to undergo counselling.

Thirty-eight-year-old Walker admitted two counts of common assault, assault causing actual bodily harm and affray.

John Turner, for Walker, said he has remained in custody since his arrest and plans to leave the area on his release.

Judge Christopher Prince said as Walker has endured his first six months’ behind bars, he could now pass a sentence to ensure he remains under the supervision of the Probation Service.

He imposed a two year community supervision order and an indefinite restraining order preventing him contacting his estranged wife or her family.