Police officers had to draw their batons during a stand-off with a Norwich man, who threatened officers with a claw hammer.

Police officers had to draw their batons during a stand-off with a Norwich man, who threatened officers with a claw hammer.

Michael Land, 34, caused a disturbance at his partner's home in Gilbard Road, North Earlham, in February of this year, refusing to leave and police had to be called to the scene, Norwich Crown Court heard yesterday.

Chris Youell, prosecuting, said that Land, who had been drinking, was aggressive and agitated and there was a stand-off between him and the officers when he suddenly pulled out a claw hammer and raised it above his head.

Mr Youell said that one female police officer thought he was going to struck on the head and police had to draw their batons before getting him to drop the hammer and arrest him.

Land, of Knowland Grove, Norwich, admitted affray.

The court heard he had previous convictions for disorder.

Jailing him for eight months Judge Paul Downes told him: 'Police officers have a difficult and dangerous job to do and should not have to be faced by people like you with weapons.'

Michael Clare, for Land, said that he had attended a detox programme for his drinking and Land gave evidence to tell the court how he had now been alcohol free for almost a month.