A dad-of-two has been jailed after attacking police who arrived to help him.

David Coveney from Wainscott, punched one officer and pointed an air rifle at others during the tense incident.

Maidstone Crown Court heard how after drinking beer and whisky he had swallowed seven sleeping tablets and 14 prescribed tablets.

Prosecutor Stacey-Lee Holland said paramedics were called to his home in Hughes Drive, early on March 9.

"He became aggressive and they had to call the police," she said. "The defendant left the property but later returned.

"Two officers arrived but he didn't want to speak with them and began making threats."

The 31-year-old told the officers: "Get out of my face or I will harm you...I don't give a **** about your ***** taser" before punching PC Groves in the left arm.

He then went to his bedroom, threatening the officers again, saying: "Touch me and I'll have you."

Ms Holland added Coveney then held a 22-inch air rifle, raising it and saying: "Back the **** down."

The officers retreated to the front of the property, followed by Coveney.

"He pointed the weapon in the direction of PC Evans, and proceeded to fire it in his general vicinity. PC Hall managed to grab the weapon and Coveney was tasered."

He was then taken to hospital and said he regretted hitting PC Groves, claiming he had gone to his bedroom to clean his rifle and it had not been loaded.

Tom Stern, defending, said Coveney had been in a "fragile" mental state.

He said he had shown remorse which a probation officer regarded as "deep and genuine".

Coveney wept as he was jailed for 14 months after admitting four assaults on emergency workers and having a firearm with intend to resist arrest.

Judge Julian Smith said that it was a "grave matter" and Coveney had been "completely out of control".

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