A MAN described as being “off his face” turned up at the back door of an acquaintance armed with a kitchen knife late at night, a court heard.

Craig Ward, 25, who appeared worse the wear for drink or drugs, was waving the 7ins to 8ins-bladed knife round, talking aggressively, saying he wanted help to beat up someone.

Durham Crown Court heard that the reluctant resident said he did not want to get involved and Ward left.

But, he returned ten minutes later, by now armed also with a baseball bat and an axe.

When the householder went into his rear yard, he was confronted by Ward, who landed two blows to the back of his head and shoulders, with the bat.

The 21-year-old victim ran into the house and sought refuge upstairs with his girlfriend.

David Lamb, prosecuting, said the sound of breaking glass was then heard and they looked out to see Ward smashing windows.

Police were called, but Ward left about £500-worth of damage, while a television from the living room was found in the street outside.

Mr Lamb said a forensic link with Ward was proved from blood found at the scene.

Although he offered an alibi of being at home at the time, late on September 20, his plea to affray was “accepted” by the prosecution, last month.

Don MacFaul, mitigating, said it was behaviour long-term friends of Ward had never previously seen.

But, he added: “He acknowledges, however, that his behaviour was reprehensible, irresponsible and outrageous at a time he was drunk.”

The court was told Ward, of Broomhill, Stanley, who has several previous convictions, has never previously received an immediate prison sentence.

Jailing him for 18 months, Judge Christopher Prince said: “This affray was particularly serious, with you running amok with a knife, a baseball bat and an axe at someone else’s home.”