A Rhyl man was Tasered by police after opening the door to his flat while holding a machete, a court heard.

Michael Bowes, aged 28, of Princes Street, pleaded guilty to affray on October 12.

District judge Gwyn Jones at Llandudno court imposed a six months suspended jail term but Bowes was also curfewed from 7pm to 6am for the same period. He has to pay £213 costs.

Judge Jones said members of Bowes’s family and others close to him had been worried about his welfare and police were sent to his home.

“Fortunately the police were able to gain control very quickly,This is a matter which was resolved in a matter of seconds,” the judge told the defendant.

“It could have been significantly worse.”

Prosecutor James Neary said police had been called by a member of the public because of social media messages sent by Bowes.

Because of his record, police prepared for confrontation and the back-up of armed officers was requested.

Mr Neary said police banged on the defendant’s door and backed off.

“When he opened the door the defendant had in his right hand a machete,” the prosecutor said. He was immediately Tasered and arrested.

Bowes told police he had thought someone was looking for trouble and grabbed a knife to protect himself. “The police did all they could to make it known to him it was the police,” the prosecutor added.

Alex Fitzgerald, defending, said :”One has to credit the officers for acting so swiftly and showing their experience.”

Bowes, on benefit, had struggled with diabetes and his insulin levels had something to do with his behaviour, the lawyer remarked.

“His record is unenviable but his last offence five years ago,” Mr Fitzgerald added.