A LOVESICK Halesowen man who armed himself with a knife when he went to the home of his ex-partner and the new man in her life has avoided a spell behind bars.

Edward Hill could not accept his relationship with the mother of his two children had ended and he stood outside the house demanding her new partner come out, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

The 28-year-old had driven to the property having taken his brother's car without permission after she made the decision to block his messages.

He had earlier sent her a text message saying how much he missed her but she had replied by telling him to "stop being so silly."

Hill smashed a window in the house injuring the pair and he also threatened his ex-girlfriend's father who was forced to defend himself with a crook-lock he took from his car, the court heard.

Simon Hunka, for Hill, said: "He totally appreciates the wrong he did and he does not seek to blame anyone else for his actions."

Hill, of Leasowes Road, admitted two charges of assault, criminal damage, making threats with the knife and taking a motor vehicle without consent.

He was given a 20 month prison term suspended for two years and further ordered to carry out 200 hours unpaid work in the community.

The judge also made Hill the subject of a five year restraining order forbidding him from having any contact with his former partner.

The court was told Hill had been convicted of assaulting his ex in April 2018 which lead to him being given a 12 month community order and the latest offences occurred just days after that order came to an end.