AN ALCOHOL-FUELLED man who brandished a machete in the street after his girlfriend was verbally abused has been jailed.

Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard that on September 28 last year, Lee Coleman initially walked away after the abuse and went to the pub.

But after eight or nine pints he returned to Smith Street, Longton, and began threatening the Ellis family, who he said had verbally abused his girlfriend.

Prosecutor Paul Spratt said Mrs Bostock, who is a relative of the Ellis family, heard the disturbance and saw Coleman holding what looked like a machete. She told him she was calling the police.

"He shouted up to her saying he was going to cut her and all her family. Mrs Bostock's nephew came into the street and the defendant attacked him.

"Mrs Bostock saw him being punched and kicked. The defendant says he punched but did not kick.

"The defendant threatened the police and an officer used a Taser on him.

"Leg restraints were used as well as handcuffs."

Coleman, aged 27, formerly of Surtees Grove, Fenton, pleaded guilty to affray and having an offensive weapon.

Earl Pinnock, defending, said: "After consuming alcohol, his anger became stirred. The drink goaded him. He unwisely followed a suggestion from an acquaintance to take a weapon with him."

Mr Pinnock added that Coleman had been a role model for other residents at a bail hostel he had stayed at.

Judge Granville Styler jailed Coleman for eight months and a further two weeks, to run consecutively, for a breach of a community discharge.

"It is clear to me you lost your temper, got yourself drunk, and decided to take the law into your own hands. Brandishing a weapon in a public place is very serious," said the judge.