A DAD who told police he needed 20 pints to get drunk and got drunk "virtually every day" has been ordered by a court to follow a special "Alcohol in Moderation" programme.

Blackburn magistrates heard Mark Warburton held his petrified ex-partner at knife-point and threatened to put a bullet through her during an argument.

Warburton, 33, of Preston Old Road, Blackburn, appeared for sentencing after admitting affray at an earlier hearing.

Solicitor Brent Patterson said the father-of-two had now recognised his alcohol problem and was already seeking help. The solicitor told the bench when interviewed by the police Warburton could not believe what he had done.

Margaret Duckworth, prosecuting, said the day before the incident which led to Warburton's arrest he had left the family home with some personal belongings in a carrier bag.

He returned to the house after midnight, drunk, tapping on a window and asking for a quilt. His partner opened the front door, an argument began over a solicitor's letter and he threatened to put a bullet through her if she tried to take the children away, said Mrs Duckworth. Warburton then took a large kitchen knife and poked her in the left-hand side of the rib cage.

Mrs Duckworth said the woman was constantly begging him to leave and feared he would stab her.

Eventually he put the knife down and she persuaded him to leave. As he moved to the front door he told her: "You don't know what trouble is yet."

Mrs Duckworth told the bench that in a police interview Warburton admitted he had a considerable alcohol problem. He said it took him about 20 pints to get drunk and he got drunk virtually every day.

He denied saying he would put a bullet through his partner but said he honestly could not remember. He did not think he would pick up a knife but said his partner would not lie, and he admitted what was alleged against him was extremely serious.

Mr Patterson said this was "One of those sad occasions when someone has to reach this state of affairs to acknowledge they need help."

The magistrates imposed six months' probation and ordered Warburton to attend the service's Alcohol in Moderation programme.

For driving without insurance and test certificate, which Warburton also admitted, he was fined £100 and banned from driving for six months under the totting-up rules. He was also ordered to pay £54 costs.

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