AN angry father-of-three locked himself in his garden shed to cool off after a row but when the police turned up there was a fracas, a court was told.

Burnley Magistrates heard how drunken Alan Hymas, 34, smashed the window with a hammer, shattering glass over three officers and then began swinging the hammer at them.

Hymas, who had told them he had electrified the handle of the shed, was been abusive and swore and would not come out.

A police sergeant ended up with a cut and swollen hand while another officer was bleeding profusely from the back of his hand after they tried to disarm the defendant through the broken window.

Hymas, whose solicitor claimed the police could have used a bit more commonsense, admitted affray.

The defendant, of Rutland Place, Padiham, was given a 12-month community rehabilitation order and ordered to pay £65 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said an officer tried to open the shed door but Hymas claimed he had electrified the handle.

After the window was smashed and the defendant "chopped out," with the hammer, one officer managed to take hold of him and his two colleagues tried to take the hammer.

Hymas opened the door, told the police :"I will kill you. Get out of my shed," and had to be restrained.

Rachel Adamson, defending, said Hymas accepted he had a drink problem and his behaviour had been inappropriate.

He had had quite a lot to drink on an empty stomach, had taken diazepam and accepted he was out of control.