A man threatened his former girlfriend with a knife at her throat after wrongly believing she was mocking him when she was simply viewing television programming.

David Kilminster, from Pontypool, and the woman had maintained a romantic connection since summer 2021, though their relationship ended approximately two years prior, according to prosecutor Abul Hussain.

Nevertheless, she permitted him to reside with her in May due to his lack of stable housing, and the pair took a trip together to holiday accommodation in St Clears, Carmarthenshire.

While staying there, Kilminster answered a telephone call from his sibling on May 9, which the victim stated drove him into an explosive fury.

He requested she transport him back to Pontypool, a proposal she declined.

That same evening, the victim was amusing herself while viewing television. Kilminster charged her with ridiculing him, an accusation she firmly rejected.

He then entered the kitchen, seized a knife, and brandished it towards her face. She managed to evade the blade, yet the implement struck her hand, resulting in a wound.

Kilminster pressed the knife against her neck, though she succeeded in breaking free. During this confrontation, the defendant also struck the victim with his elbow to her cheek.

He subsequently stated to her that she should depart before he caused her death.

She escaped to a nearby holiday unit and summoned the police.

Officers attended and deployed a Taser to restrain Kilminster, who had been wielding the knife to harm himself. He was taken into custody and transported to receive medical treatment.

The court was informed that Kilminster had been on police bail at the time, having previously faced allegations of four theft-related offences.

Mr Hussain outlined how the defendant stole merchandise including a vacuum cleaning appliance from a supermarket in Pontllanfraith on March 19, a cooking appliance from a store in Cwmbran on March 23, along with a barbecue item from an outlet in Blackwood and another vacuum cleaner from a supermarket in Pontllanfraith, both on April 20.

Kilminster, residing at an address in New Inn, entered guilty pleas to charges of threatening an individual with a bladed implement in a private setting, assault, and four counts of shoplifting.

The court was advised that the 35-year-old possessed three prior convictions encompassing four separate offences.

Kevin Seal, presenting mitigating factors, explained that the defendant had resumed alcohol consumption following a period of feeling emotionally overwhelmed in his life.

He noted that Kilminster had regained some equilibrium during his period of detention on remand, which had also offered him space to contemplate his conduct.

Mr Seal further stated that Kilminster had avoided criminal involvement since 2010.

Recorder Christian Jowett imposed a composite sentence of 21 months, suspended for an equivalent period.

Additionally, he was directed to perform 175 hours of community service, comply with a twelve-month alcohol treatment programme, and undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

The victim received a five-year non-contact order against Kilminster, while he was also instructed to provide financial compensation of £180 to one retailer and £140 to another.