Sunderland knifeman sparked stand-off with armed police at gran's house

Callum Dunn issued threats to officers, as well as himself, while armed with an eight-inch kitchen knife after drinking 20 cans and taking "loads of valium" on April 12.

Newcastle Crown Court heard his gran, who had asked Dunn to leave her home at the start of the incident, was left "sobbing uncontrollably".

The court heard the stand-off ended when police stormed the house and aimed a taser at Dunn.

After spending more than a month in custody, Judge Edward Bindloss has now sentenced the 19-year-old to a six month jail term, suspended for 18 months, with programme and rehabilitation requirements.

The judge said Dunn "deserved" to go to prison but took into account the "profound effect" of the time he has spent on remand and the remorse he has expressed for his behaviour.

Prosecutor John Hobley told the court police who arrived at the house in Plains Farm, Sunderland, had ushered Dunn's gran and another man outside to safety.

Mr Hobley said Dunn "pointed the knife at the officers and also held the knife to his wrists" and added: "He repeatedly refused to put the knife down when instructed."

The court heard Dunn warned if police came near him he would "plunge" them and said he would "come at them".

Mr Hobley added: "There was a number of exchanges between officers and Mr Dunn as he moved between the bedroom window and the front door, threatening to harm officers and himself.

"After Mr Dunn stopped responding to officers attempting to check on his welfare, firearms officers entered the address."

The court heard it was after Dunn was "red dotted" with a taser, twice, he eventually dropped the knife and was arrested but continued to be aggressive and threatening.

Dunn, of no fixed address, admitted affray.

Vic Laffey, defending, said "there was an awful lot of shouting and an awful lot of threatening" but it "never went beyond that.

Mr Laffey added: "He was a young man who was in a distressed state. In reality, his intention was never anything more than to cause a scene."

The court heard Dunn's time behind bars has had a "profound effect" on him.

In a letter to the court he said: "This time on remand made me realise this is not the life I want."