AN axe-wielding ex-husband who smashed windows and doors of his former wife’s home has been jailed for six months.

Paul Charbonneau’s late-night rampage at a property in Regina Close, Ipswich, led to armed police being despatched to the area as police tried to find him.

The force’s helicopter was also called in after Charbonneau left the scene following his drunken wrecking spree, which occurred at around 11.30pm last Saturday.

The 48-year-old was eventually traced to his home in Dover Road, Ipswich.

When he appeared before South East Suffolk Magistrates Court Charbonneau admitted possessing a bladed article, criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

During their enquiries police found that Charbonneau turned up at his ex-wife’s home in a drunken state banging on her door.

After speaking to his former spouse, he left the property only to return around 20 minutes later with what was described as a large axe.

Charbonneau then began smashing windows and a glass door with the axe.

His victim and her neighbour made 999 calls to police.

During the wrecking spree Charbonneau is said to have smashed glass patio doors, a glass side door and the kitchen and lounge window.

His former wife was described as being terrified during the incident.

After the vandalism, Charbonneau walked off down the street before police arrived.

At one stage it was estimated the damage to the property was somewhere in the region of £3,500.

It is understood that there had been previous incidents involving Charbonneau shouting and screaming, although these were not reported to the authorities at the time.

Charbonneau and his ex-wife had been married for around 26 years before they split-up.

After his arrest he was charged and remanded in custody until his court appearance.

Charbonneau was sentenced to 26 weeks’ imprisonment for possessing a bladed article. He also received concurrent 16-week sentences for the criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

In addition to his jail-term Charbonneau was also given a 12-month restraining order.