A HEROIN addict who threatened a police officer with a kitchen knife in the presence of children has been jailed.

Craig Fasoli, 26, of Risca Road in Crosskeys, Caerphilly, was under the influence of drink or drugs when police were called to reports that he had made a threat to kill his ex-partner with a knife on June 19, Newport Crown Court heard on Thursday.

Police officers who attended the house believed he was under the influence of drink or drugs and described his behaviour as "unpredictable" the court heard.

Jason Howells, prosecuting, said that after police officers told him to leave the house, Fasoli picked up a kitchen knife with a four inch blade.

“He said to the officer 'if you come near me I will do it,'" said Mr Howells.

The court heard, Fasoli then made off towards a lane where children were present. Mr Howells said he then pointed the knife towards the officer, who was eventually able to seize it and arrest him.

Fasoli was taken to hospital after his arrest, before being interviewed by the police the next day.

Peter Donnison, defending, said Fasoli had a history of self-harming. He said it appeared that he was self-harming during the incident.

“That does not provide an excuse for what happened but it help give a background of a troubled man who was dealing with a lot of personal issues at this time,” said Mr Donnison.

He added that Fasoli has not managed to overcome a drug addiction. The court heard Fasoli was in breach of a suspended sentence of eight weeks for two counts of shoplifting.

Judge Daniel Williams said Fasoli’s previous convictions included weapon use which was an aggravating feature.

He sentenced Fasoli to a total jail term of 15 months. A sentence of 14 months for possession of a bladed article was made concurrent with a 12 month sentence for affray. A further one month was imposed for the breach of a suspended sentence.