A Sudbury man has apologised for causing a stand-off with police after arming himself with a screwdriver and putting an officer in fear of violence.

Lauren Felix was handed an 18-month conditional discharge by magistrates in Ipswich on Monday for clashing with the acting sergeant.

Prosecutor Ian Devine said police responded to a terminated 999 call – reporting a disturbance at an address in Windermere Road – at about 1pm on May 30.

When officers knocked the door, the 31-year-old responded with an expletive-punctuated refusal to let them inside.

An acting police sergeant then entered through the back of the property and found Felix standing in a hallway – holding a large screwdriver and shouting “You’d better get out of here”.

Mr Devine added: “In light of the defendant’s height and build, the officer drew his Taser, and there followed a short stand-off.

“The defendant continued his threats as they stood four or five metres from each other.”

“In light of the confined space, threats, and the appearance of a weapon, the officer feared violence – although, in actual fact, there was no physical violence.”

Other officers attended and Felix was detained. During an interview, he admitted being “very frustrated” following an exchange of words with his parents.

“He suggested the police had not properly identified themselves and had already drawn weapons when they entered,” said Mr Devine.

“He claimed to have been holding the screwdriver out of concern about who was coming in.

“When it was suggested he used the expression ‘blood will be spilled’, he made no comment.

Representing himself, Felix told magistrates he apologised to the officer soon after the incident.

He said the disturbance arose from his distress over the possibility of losing his accommodation.

“I felt it was unjustified to be put in that position,” he added.

“I had no money in my pocket and thought I’d have no home.

“I didn’t mean to put anyone in danger or cause distress. I just wasn’t thinking of myself, let alone anyone else.

“There have been times when I haven’t had a place to live, and I was worried it would happen again.”

Felix was also ordered to pay court costs of £50 and a statutory fee of £20 towards victim services.