A MAN wielding a knife became involved in a stand-off in the street with police.

Wayne Dowie was making threats to kill himself as he waved the weapon around last month before officers managed to get him to put the weapon down.

Dowie, aged 38, of Chorley Old Road, was sentenced to three months in prison suspended for 12 months at Bolton Crown Court yesterday after admitting possession of a bladed article, criminal damage and breach of a conditional discharge.

The court heard how Dowie had become separated from his long-term partner and on Sunday, February 11 officers were called to her address in Johnson Fold Avenue after reports of a disturbance.

She told them that Dowie had come round holding a hammer and had made threats to kill himself.

While officers were at the house Dowie returned with a kitchen knife in one hand and a can of lager in the other.

He told the officers to get back and not to come near him and held the knife against his own throat.

The court heard that the stand-off lasted around 30 to 40 minutes and eight police officers were involved in resolving the situation.

A crowd of around 20 or 30 people gathered to watch as police negotiated with him before he eventually put the weapon down and was arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.

Elizabeth Evans, prosecuting, told the court Dowie was drunk during the incident and, when interviewed by police, said he was a "complete clown" and apologised for what he had done.

The court heard he had a problem with alcohol which he was determined to tackle.

On February 2 Dowie had destroyed a plant pot by throwing it at his ex-partner's property.

Recorder Geoffrey Lowe warned of the dangers of carrying knives.

He told Lowe: "You were in drink and brought that knife to the scene and you were waving it around. Who knows what could have happened?"