A DUDLEY man who slashed his face with a Stanley knife in front of a group of frightened children after downing nine cans of strong lager has been jailed for six months.

Police were called to Kent Street in Lower Gornal after Wayne Bird was seen punching at windows and lying in the middle of the road.

The 40-year-old who was clearly intoxicated then punched the wall of the Britannia pub before being spotted with the knife, which he lifted to his cheek He then began to cut himself with the knife and when the officers ordered him to get rid of the weapon he threw it to the ground, said Howard Searle, prosecuting.

Judge Michael Challinor told Bird, of Wood Road, Lower Gornal, he had clearly placed members of the public at risk because of his drunken state with the craft knife.

"I accept it was your intention to harm yourself," said the judge at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

"You have a very bad criminal record - some of it for violence."

He told Bird, who admitted being in possession of a bladed article, he hoped the time he would spent in custody would enable him to "dry himself out".

Stephen Bailey, defending, said all Bird's offending was drink related but stressed he had not threatened anyone with the knife.

"He was more of a threat to himself," said Mr Bailey.

"There is no doubt this was a frightening incident and he is aware of this. He knows he has to stay dry and that the solution to his problems lies in his own hands."