A DRUNKEN man held a knife to the throat of a woman with whom he was 'infatuated' and dragged her into his house, a court heard.

But Burnley Crown Court was told that Arthur Watson, 52, had acted completely out of character as he believed violence against women was 'the coward's way'.

Watson, who has no previous convictions, was told by a judge that he had escaped jail by a hair's breadth and that his victim, Kelly Pounder, must have been 'terrified'.

Judge Andrew Blake said Watson had had difficulties in the past, but offering violence to women was completely unacceptable. He added Watson should consider himself a lucky man.

Watson, of Travis Street, Burnley, earlier admitted affray. He was given two years probation.

Anthony Mazzag, prosecuting, said in the early hours, Kelly Pounder's taxi pulled into Travis Street.

Watson was standing in the middle of the road. As she got, he grabbed hold of her shirt and put a large sharp knife to her throat. He then dragged her into his house.

Watson had been drinking and was extremely angry and after running out after the taxi, Watson threw the knife into the carpet.

He then had a 'shaking fit'. Shortly afterwards police arrived and arrested him.

Kay Pierpoint, defending, said Watson deeply regretted and was shocked by his behaviour, which was out of character. He knew custody was a possibility and regarded violence against women as the 'coward's way'.The risk of re-offending was low and there was no risk to the public.

Watson and Miss Pounder had had an on-off relationship. She would just turn up, stay weeks then disappear.

She left the house without warning after having lived for a time with the defendant and he noticed a watch was missing.

He believed Miss Pounder was responsible for taking it and was very upset.

Watson was infatuated with her. He thought he could help her with her drug problem.

Watson had suffered depression for a long time and for 24 hours before the offence, had not taken his medication because he knew he was going out for a drink and didn't want to mix the two.

He had seen Miss Pounder and a friend in a workingmen's club. He was aware they were laughing at him and simply wanted to talk to her.

He shouldn't have taken things into his own hands but was adamant he would not have hurt Miss Pounder.

Miss Pierpoint added that Watson had not had a drink since April as a result of the incident. He knew his medication shouldn't be taken with alcohol.

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