A JUDGE has told a man who threatened his partner with a hammer that he needs help – rather than prison.

Carl Davison, 29, was later found by police wandering the streets, in an agitated state, carrying the weapon, Burnley Crown Court was told.

And when Davison was eventually locked up by police he headbutted the window of his cell, the court heard.

Prosecutors say Davison began arguing with his partner after she refused to have sex with him.

He grabbed the hammer from a kitchen drawer before running towards her, pinning the woman against the wall and holding the hammer against her skull.

Defence counsel Mark Stuart said his client, while accepting his later behaviour had been unacceptable, disputed her version of what triggered the row, blaming a number of mental health conditions.

Davison, of Granville Street, Briercliffe, pleaded guilty to charges of affray, possession of an offensive weapon and causing criminal damage in relation to the incident, which spanned the evening of July 31 and August 1 this year.

Passing sentence, Judge Sara Dodd described his conduct on the night as “bizarre” and said it must have been a “terrifying” experience for his then-partner.

The judge added: “I am satisfied that the best way of protecting the public, and women, is not to impose a short prison sentence but to offer you help in the community.”

Davison was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with an order he attend for 20 rehabilitation activity days, to include his attendance on a building better relationships course.

Judge Dodd also imposed a restraining order, preventing him from having any contact with his ex or going within 200 yards of her home.

Mr Stuart, defending, said the defendant accepted that the relationship was now over and he was looking to move to the North East.

The court heard that the incident was ‘out of character’ and he had been texting his friends on the night, threatening to kill himself.