A MIDDLE-aged amphetamine addict threatened to kill his partner when he believed she had left him for another man.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Michael Ragnor, 48, who also abused drink, had a knife on him when later stopped by police.

The defendant, whose girlfriend Helen Kenyon and daughter were both worried by his mental condition, thought he was badly done by and did not appear to have any insight into how his behaviour affected those who cared about him. He was, said a judge, more concerned about venting his anger.

Jailing him for nine months, Recorder Heather Lloyd said Ragnor, whose daughter had alerted the police, had tried to justify his behaviour and blame Miss Kenyon for what happened.

The judge, who said the defendant had a long criminal record, went on: "She is not to blame at all. You are to blame." Mrs Lloyd added she dreaded to think what might happen when the defendant started taking drugs and drink again.

Ragnor, of Burnley Road East, Waterfoot, had earlier admitted affray and possessing a bladed instrument.

John Chaplin, prosecuting, said the nine-year relationship between the defendant and Miss Kenyon had deteriorated and Miss Kenyon had developed a friendship with another man. That preyed on the mind of Ragnor, who had a serious amphetamine habit.

In March, the defendant's daughter received a phone call from him. He was very irate, saying Miss Kenyon had left him for another man and claimed he had knives and was going to kill her.

Ragnor arrived at his daughter's home, said he had two knives and was angry. He seemed under the influence of something and continued to threaten to kill Miss Kenyon.

Mr Chaplin said days later, the defendant rang Miss Kenyon, said it was "pay back time," and police later found him in possession of a knife.

Michael Lavery, defending, said Ragnor had been in custody 16 weeks. His relationship with Miss Kenyon had been maintained and she hoped they would live together on his release. They would have to wait and see if they could rebuild the relationship which had been so important in both their lives.

Ragnor had mental health difficulties but had seemed to have generally sorted himself out. Problems in his childhood played a part in his self harm.

Mr Lavery said the defendant, who had been remanded in custody, had been in seclusion for his own protection after death threats from fellow inmates.

He had been stabbed in prison 12 years ago and had to have 180 stitches.

The defendant's time in custody had made him realise the problem he had with amphetamine.