A MAN who threatened to cut his former partner's throat with a bread knife has avoided jail after she pleaded for him not to be put behind bars.

After an argument, James Hawkins smashed open the bathroom door at the home he shared with Rachel Wild before pointing the knife in her direction, saying: "I will slit your throat".

Although the 34-year-old told her he hated her, she firmly believed he had no intention of causing her any harm - he just wanted to scare her.

After the incident Hawkins, who had been drinking heavily, drove off but the police had already been told what had happened and he was arrested for driving with excess alcohol in his system.

Charles Crinion, prosecuting, told Wolverhampton Crown Court was told that although Hawkins’ former partner felt his actions were totally unacceptable, she did not want him to go to prison.

He said she still wanted him around for the sake of their two small children, adding: "Despite all that has gone on she does not want him sent to prison."

Hawkins, of Duke Street, Lower Gornal, admitted making a threat to kill, damaging property and driving while over the alcohol limit.

He was given a 20 month jail term, suspended for two years, was disqualified from driving for three years and must also pay £150 compensation and £450 court costs.

"This was an utterly, disgraceful piece of behaviour," Recorder Justin Wigoder said.

"You threatened your former partner with a knife and you told her you would kill her."

He warned him that if there was a repeat of his behaviour in the future he would go straight to prison as he ruled he would be lenient this time because she had made a tearful plea on his behalf.

Simon Phillips, defending, said that Hawkins accepted there was no excuse for his bad behaviour.

He said Hawkins still had alcohol and temper problems that had lead him before courts in the past but since this latest incident he had not touched any alcohol.