A THUG who headbutted his ex-girlfriend, roamed the streets with a razorblade and aimed a racial slur at a police officer has received an eight month jail term.

Matthew Edgerton had been out boozing after finishing work before returning to his home in Princess Drive, Colchester, in November.

Once he arrived he became abusive to his partner and kicked a chair she was standing on out from underneath her causing her to fall and hurt her ribs.

She barricaded herself in a bedroom for fear of what he might do next and Edgerton began shouting and calling her names.

He eventually got to her and headbutted her before searching the house for a weapon and grabbing a cut-throat razor blade.

Edgerton, 25, used the blade on himself slashing at his wrists and causing them to bleed.

His partner called 999 for help from the police who arrived quickly and attempted to use a Taser on Edgerton but was unsuccessful.

He then smeared some of his blood on the officer and force had to be used to detain him.

As Edgerton was taken to a nearby ambulance, he started to swear and threaten the officers who had arrested him and used a racial slur.

Edgerton was due to stand trial at Ipswich Crown Court for a strong of offences.

However he admitted possession of a bladed article and assault on his ex-partner meaning a trial was not required.

He had already admitted racially aggravated harassment towards the officer.

Passing sentence recorder Heather Rogers QC said: "This was an unpleasant situation for your partner and the officers.

"You have a very sorry offending history - the number of offences as a juvenile and as an adult are significant."

She handed him an overall eight month jail term - however because he has been in custody since November is likely to be freed soon having already served the standard half in prison which is required.

He will be on licence for the remaining four months.

The court heard Edgerton had a series of psychiatric issues and becomes violent when he has drunk alcohol.

Fortunately, the woman he attacked escaped with just bruising to her ribs and face.