A thief pointed a hypodermic syringe at police called to the scene of his latest crime.

Drug addict Alan Kendrick, 39, was said to have donned camouflaged clothing to enter a commercial yard in Workington on the night of May 29.

Officers saw him sitting on a 6ft wall, pointing the syringe in their direction. It was only after they threatened to Taser him that he got down and surrendered the item.

He admitted possessing an offensive weapon and stealing an oil drum when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today.

Kendrick, a man with more than 100 criminal offences on his record, had been remanded in custody since the offences.

But after an appeal was made that he should receive help in the community, Recorder Michael Murray suspended a three-month prison sentence for two years.

Kendrick, of Harrington Road, Workington, was given a 14-day rehabilitation order. This will address a number of issues, including his drug addiction.