Tony Evernden, 46, of Kings Avenue, terrorised his estranged wife Josephine at her new partner's home on on Windsor Gardens, Carlton, in April and threatened to kill himself.

Police were called to the scene, where Evernden held captive his wife, her baby and her new boyfriend. Specialist hostage negotiators spent more than 34 hours trying to convince the defendant to come outside until he chose to surrender himself to police.

At Nottingham Crown Court today (Wednesday) Evernden was freed after the defence claimed he was left a 'shattered wreck' after his wife of 22 years had an affair with a work colleague.

Evernden stood before Judge Dudley Bennett charged with affray and harassment, which he admitted.

Judge Bennett said that although he does not condone Evernden's actions, he understood why he reached breaking point.

He said: "He was a broken man. After 22 years of marriage she cheats on him and walks out - what did she expect to happen?"

"He completely broke down, which is not entirely surprising. I can understand what triggered it."

Evernden, who has already served four months in custody, was handed a nine month prison sentence for the affray charge and three months for harassment, both of which have been suspended for two years.

He will also have to comply with a two-year supervision requirement order. Evernden was also given a two-year restraining order which prevents him from contacting his wife. He was also told he could not visit Carlton or go to his wife's address.