A man wielding four knives was hoping his actions would force police to shoot him dead, a court heard.

Myles Priestley, 38, was eventually brought down by officers with a Taser at the scene in Montfort Road, Strood.

The drama was filmed by onlookers from their car and posted on social media sites.

In the video, police can be heard telling him to put the knives down and said “we’ll sort this out for you”, but he refused to co-operate.

The father of three appeared before Medway magistrates where the court heard he had wanted to end his life when he threatened officers with knives last month.

He admitted threatening a person with a blade and assaulting a constable in the execution of his duty.

Linda Huppatz , prosecuting, told the court that at 5.33am on Thursday, May 28, Priestley dialled 999 and told the operator: “Call the police, get them round here, I’ve got a knife”.

The transcript of the call was read out in court, in which he said: “My name’s Myles Priestley. I’m going to have a couple of knives with me, see how many of them can take me down. It took six of them last time. I’ll be standing there in the road with my knives.”

Video: The police in stand-off with Priestley

He also threatened to “start taking it out on innocent people” and said that he was going to kill his ex-wife.

Representing himself in court, Priestley, of Vidgeon Road, Hoo, said: “I regretted it as soon as I calmed down. I’m glad nobody was hurt. I never meant to hurt anybody except myself.”

Two police officers arrived on the scene at 5.42am where they saw Priestley standing on the pavement.

According to their statement, he was carrying a large combat knife, two black-handled kitchen knives and a wooden-handled kitchen knife.

“He started to walk towards us. I pulled out my Taser as I feared for my safety and members of the public,” the statement said.

“He continued to advance towards us. I raised my Taser and placed the red dot on his chest. I thought he was going to attack us or a member of the public to force us to take action.”

When an officer got his Taser out the man was heard saying “do it, do it.”

He was Tasered and fell to the ground.

"I’m going to have a couple of knives with me, see how many of them can take me down. It took six of them last time" - Myles Priestley

The court heard a statement from a probation officer who said Priestley told her he was feeling depressed at the time, hoped “this would lead to him being shot” and “he wanted to end his life”.

The statement said he had issues with alcohol in the past and had been prevented from seeing his children. He had previously taken two overdoses following the breakdown of relationships.

Priestley is a self-employed builder but also works five days a week doing grounds work for an electrical company. A letter from his employer was presented to magistrates but not read out in court.

Magistrates decided to send him to crown court for sentencing.

Angela Howe, chairwoman of the bench, said: “Knife crime is a serious matter and above our jurisdiction. We are going to send you to crown court for sentencing until then you will remain on bail.”

His sentencing will be on a date to be fixed.

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