A MAN who chased two police officers with a samurai sword has been sentenced to two years in prison.

Richard Hearn, 46, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon and affray after he threatened two women and two police officers who had been called out to deal with the incident in Wharf Close, Witham.

The incident happened on August 2 when Hearn made threats to his father before leaving his house and making threats to two women sat in cars.

Police officers from the local neighbourhood team tried to subdue him using CS spray and their batons but he resisted all attempts to arrest him.

Hearn then chased the officers out of the house wielding the sword, forcing them to take refuge nearby.

Eventually the officers were able to arrest and handcuff him in Highfields Road.

Detective Constable Steven Walker who investigated the case said: “There is no doubt that our officers acted bravely in the face of the threats by this man with a sword, and feared that he would attack them.”