In the dock at Suffolk Magistrates’ Court on Thursday was Adam Moran, who had admitted making a death threat last month and having an offensive weapon in a public place the month before.

On December 17 last year, police arrested the 34-year-old after receiving reports that he had “brandished” a locking knife around 4pm outside Yew Drive in Brandon, in the presence of children.

He gave the police a prepared statement and admitted to having the knife.

On January 28, the emergency services received a call from Moran at around 10pm.

He said that he intended to harm himself and others and that he would “burn this place down and anyone in it”.

Moran also told the call handler he had an Ak47 and would “start blowing people’s heads off”.

This promoted a “large armed response”, the court was told, with the police negotiating with Moran for 11 hours before he was arrested.

January: Armed police and negotiators called to incident in Brandon

Speaking for Moran, Jeremy Kendall told the court that his client had struggled with his mental health for many years and had been drinking at the time the call was made.

Mr Kendall said Moran, of Yew Drive, Brandon, regarded the call as “a cry for help”.

He also explained that Moran had been struggling in the absence of routine following the death of his dog, which he had owned for 17 years.

The presiding magistrates decided against imposing a prison sentence on Moran, deciding instead to impose a community order with requirements which would address his behaviour and mental wellbeing.

Moran was also fined £200 and ordered to may a surcharge of £114 and court costs of £110.

To keep up with the latest cases from Suffolk Magistrates' Court, click here

© Eastern Daily Press