A MAN from Tardebigge carried a knife into a nightclub and threatened to 'shoot' and 'kill' police officers, later claiming it was 'a cry for help'.

David Doyle appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Friday where he admitted possession of a nine-inch kitchen knife and making a malicious communication to West Mercia Police, threatening to 'destroy' them.

The 30-year-old, of The Park, Hewell Grange, had the knife in an undisclosed nightclub on January 28 this year.

Patrick Kelly, prosecuting, described the knife as being eight to nine inches long and said the defendant produced it before it was taken off him and handed to security staff.

Doyle was identified by CCTV, arrested and interviewed where he answered 'no comment' to police questions.

On March 21, between midnight and 1.36am, Doyle made six threatening calls to 999, which were recorded.

Mr Kelly said: "He stated if police came down with guns 'I will shoot them. I will kill them. I will destroy them with the weapons I have got in my house.’

"He makes reference to having firearms at the address.

“He stated he had mental health issues and was diagnosed and medicated for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety and personality disorder.

"During the offence he was feeling low and had consumed 10 pints of Budweiser lager."

Doyle said he had been intoxicated and unaware of his actions.

Mr Kelly added: "He admitted making the calls, saying they were a cry for help.

“He needed further mental health appointments and would have to wait another two months for that.

"He believed if he phoned the police and made threats to kill, although he had no intention or means to do so, the comments would get him arrested and he would get a sooner appointment with the mental health team."

Nicholas Berry, for Doyle, said: "I recognise, in light of his previous convictions, it crosses the custody threshold."

A reference was submitted by the defendant's father, mother and partner. Doyle now has a medical appointment scheduled for April 10.

Recorder Allan Mainds said: "Mr Doyle, it seems there's a chance your problems can be sorted.

“Your dad and family have had to put up with a huge amount over the years and you are very fortunate that you've got a family who are supportive.

“But there comes a time when they simply have to say 'no more'.

"It's not fair on them. It's not fair on yourself. You simply should not be carrying a whopping knife like that about or any knife at all.

“You're a big chap and it's frightening for people."

The recorder imposed a six month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

Doyle must also complete six months of alcohol treatment and up to 15 rehabilitation activity days.

He must also attend scheduled medical appointments. Doyle was placed on a daily curfew between 8pm and 8am until the end of April.