A MAN who brandished a baseball bat at police officers and challenged them to Taser him has avoided prison.

John Joyce, of Redbridge Hollow travellers’ site, Old Abingdon Road, Oxford, was sentenced at Oxford Crown Court after he admitted one count of affray.

Yesterday, prosecutor Alexandra Bull said the 25-year-old had been away drinking for three days and returned home drunk at about 11.30pm on October 6 last year.

She said his wife had gone to bed and locked the door of their caravan. Joyce started banging on the windows and shouting that he would smash the windows and car, as well as beat up their dog, Holly, she said.

At about midnight, four officers arrived and confronted Joyce, who was swinging a baseball bat in front of him, shouting “don’t you f***ing come towards me”, she added.

The prosecutor told Judge Peter Ross one of the officers aimed a Taser at his chest, and Joyce challenged him to use the weapon while making threats.

She said he was arrested at about 12.20pm after the police used an incapacitator spray.

Ms Bull added Joyce was subject to a community order when he committed the offence for stealing two scientific lasers.

Stuart Matthews, defending, said his client suffered from mental health problems, but had not sought help because of a stigma in his community.

He said: “He has profound trouble sleeping and profound anxiety.”

Judge Ross said he would give Joyce a 12-month prison sentence, but suspend it for two years if he agreed to seek help with his problems. He will also have to carry out 100 hours of unpaid work and pay a £100 victims’ surcharge.