IAIN Warren, who held two small children hostage while armed with a knife, was congratulated by a judge for taking his chance of freedom.

Sentencing on Warren, 28, was deferred last August for six months to see if he could address the problems, including alcohol abuse, which led to the siege at his Cannop home.

When dad-of-two Warren, of Cannop Villas, reappeared at Gloucester Crown Court, Judge William Hart heard he had complied with all the requirements laid down.

The judge sentenced Warren to a 12-month community order with supervision.

But he warned Warren that if he relapses he could face a jail term of up to three years.

Warren threatened to kill police during the incident in December 2009, the court was told at the last hearing.

He had two children aged three and five with him during the siege, which a senior police negotiator said later had 'the greatest potential for a violent ending' that he had ever dealt with.

He admitted affray and cruelty to a child.