A 63-year-old care home resident who went on a rampage with a box and arrow has been sentenced to six months in prison.

Former opera singer, Mark Holland, caused almost £3,000 worth of damage at Belmar Nursing Home in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire on 2 October after being told he could not go out shopping, Blackpool Magistrates Court heard.

Holland, who was a voluntary resident at the home, broke doors, set off fire extinguishers and threw concrete blocks at a visitor’s car, before being tasered by police three times.

PC Nicole Bennett told the court: “I had never faced this level of threat before. He was preparing to shoot an arrow and had taken direct aim at us.”

Staff member Katie Bent said: “He was on the rampage and we had to move all the residents apart from the end of life patient who could not be moved.”

Holland’s defence said staff had been aware he kept a bow and arrow and had even played with it when cleaning his room, The Independent reported.

Passing sentence on Holland, district judge Richard Thompson said: “This a sad situation. As an educated man you lost control and caused fear with that weapon.”

Holland was ordered to pay £2,800 to the home, £250 compensation to the car owner and £250 each to staff involved who had to evacuate residents.

Belmar Nursing Home has been asked to comment.