Stupidity landed a Samurai-wielding man in hospital - after cutting his foot while trying to break into his victim's home.

The hapless criminal needed 11 stitches in his foot after kicking through the glass door of a flat in the city.

Blair Dixon was caught by police after he needed hospital treatment for the wound, and has now been jailed for the offence.

The court heard that the 22-year-old was said to have taken "the law into his own hands" by equipping himself with the 2ft-long decorative weapon.

Jailing Dixon for six months, Recorder Simon Medland QC said it was "fortunate" nobody was injured in the daytime incident on March 7.

Dixon had admitted possessing a bladed article, criminal damage and failing to attend a previous court hearing.

Richard Archer, prosecuting, said Martin Pickersgill was at his flat when he heard "loud banging and smashing of glass".

He went to a front window and noted four people - including Dixon - standing by his door.

"He saw the defendant holding a Samurai sword," said Mr Archer.

Police were called and found the sword in a vehicle, as well as blood stains.

"Police, using their initiative, went to the accident and emergency department and found out the defendant had attended himself due to what he had sustained breaking the (front door) window," Mr Archer explained.

Dixon needed 11 stitches to his foot.

The court heard he had 20 previous convictions and had been made subject to a community order just weeks before the sword offence.

Paul Tweddle, defending, confirmed Dixon, of Welsh Road, Harraby, had injured his leg by kicking the door glass.

A perceived grievance, the court was told, lay behind his decision to take a sword to the flat.

Dixon had not reported a previous alleged assault to police, the court heard, as he did not have faith in them investigating it.

"That is not any excuse for taking the law into his own hands, particularly in possession of a Samurai sword," said Mr Tweddle.

"He accepts that he was the author of his own downfall."

Dixon suffered from anxiety and depression following the loss of his mother to terminal cancer, and had not received any counselling.

"On this occasion there was no thinking," Mr Tweddle said of Dixon's criminal conduct. "It is pure irrational stupidity."

He was jailed for six months.