A man held a "zombie" knife above his head after turning violent in Carlisle as shocked witnesses watched on.

Jamie Grimes, 28, was jailed at the city's crown court for possessing a 35-40cm blade - dubbed "highly dangerous" by a judge - during an altercation.

Alistair Reid, prosecuting, said an incident came to the attention of witnesses in London Road at about 7pm on July 12.

A male was heard shouting at two females, and saying: "What are you going to to do?"

Grimes, in possession of the knife, was seen to approach the pair, who backed away.

One witness, as he dialled 999, then saw him conceal the blade within his clothing.

Another man appeared to intervene.

A passing motorist also noticed Grimes.

"She describes seeing him with the knife in his hand, holding it above his head in a threatening manner," said Mr Reid.

"As she drove past she clearly saw the knife."

Police attended, Grimes was arrested and the knife was found nearby.

It had a fixed blade, said Mr Reid, who told the court: "It is quite unusual and distinctive with an ornate handle, and a serrated rearside to the blade."

Grimes, of Queens Road, Everton, Liverpool, had 21 offences on his criminal record - including one for possessing an offensive weapon as a juvenile.

Paul Tweddle, defending, said Grimes had been staying in bed and breakfast accommodation that day.

He wished to offer "apologies and remorse to the citizens of Carlisle" for the trouble having admitted affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

The lawyer added: "He is aware this is a very serious weapon to be in possession of."

Grimes was jailed for 12 months.

"In my judgment a zombie knife is a highly dangerous weapon," said Judge James Adkin, "because of its size and the nature of the blade."