Police called to deal with a man attacking a car with an axe were then threatened with a gun.

Russell McIlwrath said he would shoot an officer in the head during the stand-off just after Christmas.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how the 38-year-old was seen striking the vehicle in Tobruk Way, Chatham.

He also attacked the door of a nearby house.

Police arrived on the scene shortly after 12.25am on December 28, locating McIlwrath at his home.

A constable saw through a window that he was carrying what appeared to be a black handgun.

While holding the weapon – which later turned out to be an imitation firearm – McIlwrath made more than a dozen threats.

He shouted that he had a Colt 45 and he would shoot the officer in the head.

Armed police set up a cordon and after negotiations the yob came out of the property unarmed.

He was charged and has been remanded in custody since.

Appearing in court last Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of criminal damage and possessing cannabis. He was jailed for 14 months.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Rake said: "McIlwrath demonstrated an exceptional amount of hostility towards our attending officers and it is a testament to their professionalism that he was safely detained.

"He came to our attention for a completely senseless act of criminal damage and it is entirely appropriate for a custodial sentence to be imposed."

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