A Prendergast man who turned up at his former girlfriend’s home armed with a knife has been jailed for four months today (Thursday).

Paul Williams, aged 43, of Back Lane, admitted having a bladed article in a public place.

Swansea crown court heard that police officers had to spray him in the face with a debilitating gas to disarm him.

Huw Rees, prosecuting, said Williams went to the home of Donna Marie James in Colley Court, Monkton, at 8am on June 17.

Miss James had ended their five year relationship two days earlier and did not want to let him in.

Williams’ brother, Edward, happened to be at the property and answered the door, to see Williams on his knees and holding a knife as if he was about to stab himself.

Miss James became so frightened she was unable to telephone the police but Edward Williams did.

As officers raced to the scene they saw Williams in Angle Road. He ran across a field and ignored orders to put down the weapon.

Officers sprayed him with the gas and took him to the ground. He was taken to hospital with cuts to his neck and stomach.

Catherine Jenkins, the barrister representing Williams, said he had been going through a bad time and wished to apologise for the incident.

Judge Paul Thomas said anyone found carrying a knife in a public place can expect to go to jail.

It was a disgraceful incident, he added, probably caused by his refusal to accept that his relationship with Miss James was over.

Judge Thomas said he would consider making a restraining order after hearing from the police as to Miss James’ real intentions towards Williams.