A DUDLEY man who pointed a knife at a police officer after a heavy drinking session has been jailed for three months.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how John Wells pointed the blade at the officer as members of his family were screaming before turning the knife in the direction of his own chest but he did not cause any significant injury.

Andrew Baker, for Wells, said it was accepted it was a "frightening" incident but it was short lived and no real harm was done.

He added Wells was not a man who was "violent by nature" and it was clear he was suffering from a long term alcohol problem.

Wells, aged 53, of Springfield Crescent, Kates Hill, admitted affray and he was told by Judge Michael Challinor the sentence would mean his immediate release from custody because of the time he had spent behind bars on remand.

The judge said: "The harm you did was minor, it seems to me you are not a dangerous man but you have reached the stage in life where your alcohol abuse has brought you into the court system."

Mark Rees, prosecuting, said police found Wells was drunk and in a violent mood and when officers said they wanted to question him he armed himself with the eight-inch knife.

The incident ended when Wells then dropped the knife and told the officers he had taken alcohol and his medication as he stressed his actions had been "very stupid."