Sutton boozer ended up in jail after brandishing a spanner police saw him drop

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court heard Neil Clarke was drunk and aggressive when he banged on the front door of an address on Coxmoor Road, on May 24.

Neil Hollett, prosecuting, said witnesses saw Clarke holding the hammer and shouting: “I want my £50. Get out here now. I've got a spanner. I'm coming in.”

When the police were called, he walked away, shouting: “I’m going to come back and do him over.”

Officers found him nearby and saw him drop the spanner.

When he was searched, a small amount of cannabis was found.

Clarke denied possessing an offensive weapon but was convicted in his absence after failing to attend court on June 28 and October 10.

The court heard he was also stopped as he tried to steal just under £50 of shower products from Wilkos, on Outram Street, on July 18.

Clarke, aged 49, of Outram Street, admitted possessing an offensive weapon, a class B drug, theft and two Bail Act offences.

Chris Perry, mitigating, said Clarke was remanded to HMP Lincolnshire where he has de-toxed.

“He can start any court order with a clear head,” Mr Perry said. “He is not someone who is incapable of change.

“He is quite lightly convicted. There is nothing of this ilk on his record. He can’t argue about his conviction, because he wasn’t there for his trial.”

Clarke was jailed for nine months, suspended for two years, with a 31-day programme and 20 rehabilitation days. He was also ordered to pay £350 towards costs and a £156 surcharge.