A MAN was so upset after losing his mother that he threatened to kill himself and the police on Mother's Day.

John Albert Reynoldson threatened police with a large knife and needle from his flat in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street and at one point stabbed a syringe through his letter box and stabbed the door with the knife.

Officers finally got into the flat and arrested the 39-year-old. They also found another man, who had "barricaded" himself into the kitchen because he was so scared.

Reynoldson, of Kings Lane, Pelton, pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court yesterday.

The court heard how Reynoldson lost his mother in January and had not taken his prescribed medication for his drug problem.

The magistrates sent the case to Durham Crown Court where Reynoldson will next appear on April 26. He was denied bail because of his health issues and the possibility he could commit further offences.