A man from Bolton wielded an axe, spat at emergency services workers and racially abused one of them.

Jordan Walkden, of Langthorne Walk, Deane, had previously pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a bladed article in public, two counts of assaulting an emergency worker and one count of racially aggravated provocation.

Bolton Crown Court heard on Tuesday, August 22, that the 29-year-old was spotted wielding an axe on Ulleswater Street in Astley Bridge in the early hours of October 31, 2021.

Prosecuting, Alex Beevers said: "At 1.10am on October 31, 2021, PC Mohammed responded to a 999 call saying that a man with an axe causing a disturbance in the street and causing damage to vehicles.

"He could see dried blood on defendant's hands. Bloodstained axe in hand with a wooden handle and a metal blade.

"He was detained and arrested for possession of an offensive weapon."

After being taken into custody, Walkden asked to see a healthcare professional. A health worker and a custody detention officer attended, checking on his welfare and giving him a drink.

Mr Beevers continued: "They spoke with the defendant through the cell hatch. He was initially calm, but then became aggressive and launched abuse. He then attempted to punch one of them through the hatch.

"They quickly reacted by trying to close the hatch door, but in doing so accidentally caught the defendant's fingers in the hatch.

"This made him more aggressive and he said 'I'm going to f**king kill you, I'm going to do you both in' and 'I'm a third grade mason, I'm going to f**king slaughter you'."

He then proceeded to racially abuse one of the officers. Mr Beevers quoted him as saying: "'You fucking P**i, I'm going to kill you.'

"He then spat twice directly into her face. These threats and abuse continued despite the efforts of officers to calm him."

A victim personal statement from the officer who was not racially abused was read out.

It said: "I was left very shocked as a result of this incident, I had been assured that he was more compliant.

"The actions of this individual were totally unwarranted."

Defending, Thomas Worsfold told of Walkden's diagnosis of bipolar disorder, which he is now taking medication for.

He said: "He is currently medicated, and he tells me he feels much better."

Mr Worsfold also made reference to Walkden being enrolled at a GP surgery, giving him steady access to medication.

He also referred to his steady accommodation.

Mr Worsfold continued: "Although this would have crossed the custody threshold, a suspended sentence meets the progress of this defendant. He has made good progress.

Concluding, Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said: "There are two conflicting things I have to grapple with. My thoughts and gratitude to those in the public sector that worked through the Covid pandemic and had to deal with people committing criminal offences. I've had to think about those people you harmed directly and indirectly.

"Those people looking after you as you were taken into custody, rightfully, because you were walking around with an axe looking like you were going to do harm.

"You were partially compliant but then lost your composure. They were working at a very difficult time as emergency workers, trying to help you in the situation you found yourself in.

"You had been logged in with a doctors request and had a drink, those were people genuinely trying to help you."

He continued: "So it is even more harmful that you make specific threats and racist threats, and that is not acceptable.

"You were apologetic afterwards and you pleaded guilty to matters."

Judge Clarke said that the matters did cross the custody threshold, and that if he had been sentenced promptly, he would probably have seen custody.

He said: "It took a year to charge you and another year for you to be seen for sentence.

"You have been properly seen by a psychiatrist, saying you have treatable bipolar effective disorder and you have medication which you are now getting."

He sentenced Walkden to an 18 month community order and 35 rehabilitation requirement days.

Following sentencing, Walkden said to the Judge: "Thanks for your verdict, boss" and added: "At least it's not a death sentence."