A POLICE officer drew his Taser after a drunken Flintshire man brandished garden shears in Greenfield.

Jason Martin, 32, on benefits and now living at a Holywell hostel, dropped the item but had earlier on September 22, 2019, hurled a rock at a police car rear window, Caernarfon Crown Court was told on Monday, March 2.

He pleaded guilty to criminal damage, possessing an article with a blade and a public order offence on that day.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards said Martin had also admitted failing to stop after a Renault Clio collided with another car at Mancot in April, failing to provide a breath test, and having an unloaded air rifle on the back seat.

Robin Boag, defending, said the air weapon wasn’t hidden by Martin who went ferreting. All the offences were committed when he was drinking too much and homeless.

He said: “What then happened, after the September matters, he started to look to turn his life around."

The probation service had placed him in a hostel and he was “dry and drug-free.”

Judge Timothy Petts imposed a 16-month jail term, suspended for 21 months, and a four-year driving ban.

He said Martin was working hard to address issues.

He added: “I am persuaded by Mr Boag I can step back from immediate custody."