A man has been jailed after he threatened to plunge a 10in knife into a policeman's stomach.

Richard Hewson, 30, grabbed the knife when PC David Burton knocked on the door of his St Leonards home as police were called to a domestic disturbance.

He pleaded guilty at Lewes Crown Court to a charge of affray and also admitted further counts of driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Marcus Fletcher, prosecuting, told the court: "Officers were called to an address in St John's Road, St Leonards, because of a domestic disturbance on May 16.

"PC Burton knocked on the door and said, 'hello, mate,' before the defendant told him to 'f*** off' and slammed the door."

The policeman tried to get in again and noticed Hewson smelled of alcohol.

Mr Fletcher added: "The officer drew his baton and invited the defendant outside but he replied: 'Do you want a knife in your guts?'

"The defendant had armed himself with a 10in blade and said: 'If you come into this flat I will stick this right into you'."

The court heard that PC Burton, who was not wearing a protective vest, then called for back-up and the man was later detained by officers with riot shields and protective clothing.

Mr Fletcher said: "The defendant later made full admissions and said he never intended to use the knife."

Guy Russell, defending, said: "He bitterly regrets his actions but never intended to use the knife."

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall jailed Hewson for 16 months.