A STONEHOUSE man who threatened to kill his wife and punched a police officer said he would rather go to jail than serve a suspended sentence.

Martin Moore, aged 43, of Midland Road, pleaded guilty to provocation of violence and committing an offence while on a conditional discharge at Stroud Magistrates' Court in January.

He was also found guilty of assaulting a police officer and was back in court on Friday for sentencing.

The court heard how Moore had attempted to take his son to Birmingham after an argument with his wife, Rebecca, at their home on June 14.

Prosecuting Nadina Farley-Turner (corr) said that when police intervened, Moore threatened them saying: "If someone tries to stop me I'll put you all in hospital."

After punching an officer in the face he was arrested and taken to Stroud Police Station.

But the next day he returned home and began shouting and banging on the door making threats to kill his wife.

John Harmshaw, defending, said Moore was in a highly charged emotional state when the offences occurred and that he had now separated from his wife.

Moore was given a four-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and an 18-month supervision order.

After the sentence was read out he said: "I'd rather do my time in prison" but magistrates said the court's decision was final.

He was ordered to pay compensation of £100 to the police officer.