A Sussex man who threatened police officers with a Japanese-style samurai sword was jailed for 12 months today.

Paul Hay, 40, waved the weapon at four terrified officers who had been called to a domestic dispute.

Hay, of Garlands Close, Chichester, was finally tackled to the ground by one of the officers, all of whom were later praised for their bravery.

He was jailed by Chichester Crown Court for 12 months for affray against a police officer and carrying an offensive weapon in a public place.

Sentencing Hay, Recorder Michael Hopmeier said: "This was a very serious disturbance. You deliberately chose to cause fear and terror to those police officers.

"It happened in a residential cul-de-sac. The public is entitled to live and walk in those areas without the fear of acts of violence and the police are entitled to the same protection. Carrying offensive weapons must be discouraged."

The court heard how on August 3 last year, constables Alan Pack and Sean Preston were called to Quest Close in Chichester following a report of a domestic row.

When they arrived they found no sign of the dispute but were faced with a man shouting and waving a sword at them.

The officers tried to lock their car doors but the central locking failed. Instead they got out and confronted the man with their batons.

There was a tense stand-off until two other officers, constables Shawn Parker and Joanna Jones, arrived.

While one distracted Hay, PC Parker wrestled him to the ground.

Speaking after today's hearing, Detective Constable Mel Hardy, who worked on the case, said: "They coped extremely well under pressure. I don't like to think about what could have happened to them."

The samurai sword is now being used at a police training centre in Ashford, Kent, as an example of the dangers faced by officers on the streets.

Hay, who had rowed with his girlfriend on the day of the incident, denied the charges but was found guilty at Hove Crown Court on January 18.