ARMED police were involved in a stand-off as a man holding a knife, and then a makeshift "flame thrower", issued threats from a flat above shops, Durham Crown Court heard yesterday

Police arrived at Cheveley Park flats in Belmont, Durham, to be greeted by two women who told them that 28-year-old Brian Williamson was armed with an 8in to 9in-bladed knife.

The court was told that he was heard to shout: "I'll cut your throat", before threatening to do the same to the first officer entering his flat.

Alex Burns, prosecuting, said Williamson locked himself in the flat, where he remained for the next two-and-a-half hours.

At one stage he appeared with a gas cylinder attached to a piece of tube, from which he squirted 2ft flames out of a window, threatening to "burn the place".

Police then decided to enter the flat, but on seeing the officers preparing to move in, Williamson gave himself up, Mr Burns told the court.

The court heard he has ten previous convictions for 41 separate offences, including arson, criminal damage and cases of violence.

Catherine Fagan, for Williamson, said one of the two women who met police arriving at the scene was his partner, with whom he was now reconciled.

She said Williamson has suffered from solvent abuse, a habit he is striving to address. Miss Fagan added that although the incident, last August 4, was "frightening for all concerned", it ended without any injuries.

Williamson, of Beech Road, Sherburn Village, near Durham, admitted affray.

Imposing a two-year community rehabilitation order, Judge Peter Amrstrong told him: "You completely lost control of yourself that night.

"You couldn't complain if I sent you to prison for nine months.

"Although you did give yourself up, armed police were called to the scene and you put yourself at risk of being shot," said the judge.