A COURT heard how a "drunk and emotional woman" armed with a large kitchen knife threatened to kill an occupant of a house.

Beverley 0'Riley, 40, of Mitella Street, Burnley, was still screaming threats as she was arrested and went on to erupt at the police station shouting: "He's going to get it, I don't care what you say."

0'Riley admitted affray and was conditionally discharged for 12 months, with £65 costs, at Burnley Magistrates Court. She had no previous convictions.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said police were called to a disturbance in Burnley about 10.50pm but officers said all was quiet when they got to the house. They spoke to the householders who said there had been an incident but they did not want to make any allegations.

The defendant and her husband then turned up at the gate. Mr 0'Riley started to push past the officers to get in the house and said somebody inside had assaulted his wife. He seemed intent on retribution.

O'Riley then started shouting: "I'm going to kill him." She smelled of drink and police noticed she had a large knife with a serrated edge in her right hand. She dropped the weapon when her arm was grabbed.

Steven Banks, defending, said O'Riley had been drunk and emotional and had gone round to the house after a girl claimed she was being neglected by her family.

The defendant had suffered the bereavement of a close family friend on New Year's Day and seven days afterwards had a miscarriage.