A CILIAU Aeron man threatened to stab his partner to death while brandishing a knife, a court heard.

David Peter Clive Grimsell, of The Old Post Office, admitted assault by threats toward Hilary Carberry after he made lunging motions towards her while holding a seven-inch knife.

But magistrates heard he had no intention of hurting her and was so far away he would never have made any contact with Ms Carberry.

Helen Tench, prosecuting, said Grimsell, 61, and Ms Carberry had been in a relationship for around 30 years, but it had become slightly strained in recent years.

On 29 August police were called after Grimsell had threatened to stab Ms Carberry and had brandished a kitchen knife.

Ms Carberry barricaded herself in a bedroom and called the police.

Following his arrest Grimsell said he was angry and in a bad mood and had drunk too much, but he never intended to harm Ms Carberry.

Defence solicitor Katy Hanson said Grimsell was being supported by Ms Carberry.

She said that after losing his job Grimsell had struggled to cope, but was now taking action to address issues including his drinking and was “entirely remorseful”.

Grimsell was given an 18-month conditional discharge by Aberystwyth magistrates and will pay costs of £105.