A young man went berserk as he held police at bay in a dramatic house siege.

He threatened to attack them with a 5ft long metal bar, a court heard.

Leo Imarhiagbe swung the bar from side to side and warned the startled officers: "Come and get me. Come in here and I will kill you."

Even the use of CS gas spray did not deter 28-year-old Imarhiagbe as he was holed up at his digs in St Helen's Road, Westcliff.

Extra police in riot gear and carrying shields eventually stormed the property.

After a fierce struggle the defendant was restrained and arrested, said Prab Virdi, prosecuting at Basildon Crown Court.

She said that, before his capture, Imarhiagbe had trashed the property.

He pleaded guilty to affray, criminal damage and threatening behaviour.

Miss Virdi said that, a month prior to the siege, Imarhiagbe, now of no fixed address, was involved in terrorising two teenagers in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff.

He suddenly accosted and threatened the boys, who were strangers to him.

He asked one lad: "Who paid you to follow me? Do you know who you are dealing with?"

Imarhiagbe also told both youngsters: "What are you in my face for? I could break your neck in two minutes - don't follow me again."

Police arrived and he was arrested following a struggle.

His barrister, Jonathan Ellis, said Imarhiagbe did not co-operate with police or probation officers over the offences and it was not clear why he acted in such a way.

Mr Ellis added: "It may have had something to do with what he had seen on television.

"It would seem he does not have psychiatric problems although his behaviour is rather bizarre."

Imarhiagbe, who has already served nearly six months in custody on remand, was jailed for 15 months.

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