A MAN who was overcome by grief after his father’s death has avoided jail after smashing up a shed and threatening to kill police officers.

Robert Zasada, of Banbury Court, Abingdon, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage and one count of making threats to kill on September 29 last year.

Nigel Ogborne, prosecuting, said the 23-year-old went to his step-mother’s house in Andersey Way, Abingdon, and smashed up a shed, which had “a close connection” to his late father.

The barrister said the police were called and when they arrived Zasada barricaded himself inside the shed and made threats to kill them if they interfered.

Mr Ogborne told Judge Mary Jane Mowat that the defendant then poured petrol all over the shed, but was stopped by an officer before he could use his lighter.

He added that Zasada, who was not represented by a barrister when he appeared on Friday at Oxford Crown Court, had been drunk at the time of the offence.

Judge Mowat told him: “This was a terrifying incident for the police officers.

“But I am sure it was a one-off incident, born of grief and intoxication.”

She said that as Zasada was now receiving help with his problems, including his drinking, she did not expect to see him in court again.

He received a 12-month conditional discharge and was told to pay a £15 victims’ surcharge.