Knife threat used to stop teenage girl taking stand (From Warrington Guardian)

Knife threat used to stop teenage girl taking stand

A TEENAGER has admitted telling another girl she would 'slice her up' after getting into an argument at her home.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to charges of threatening unlawful violence and common assault in Northwich Magistrates' Court on Wednesday - just minutes before her trial was due to begin.

The incident took place at an address in Winsford on August 6 when the girl got into an argument with a 16-year-old girl before punching her in the face four or five times.

She then told her that she would slice her up if she took the stand against her in court.

The victim was left with a swollen eye, tender jaw and bleeding nose following the incident. The defendant, who now lives in Lostock Gralam, then threatened another 16-year-old girl not to tell anyone about the previous incident.

Carolyn Viviani, prosecuting, said: "The defendant produced a knife with an 8in blade which she held above her head."

Simon Rodgers, defending, asked magistrates to adjourn proceedings for a pre-sentence report to be carried out.

He said: "Bearing in mind the serious nature of these offences I would ask the matter to be adjourned for reports to be prepared."

Chairman of the bench Francis Miller agreed to adjourn the case but ruled out the possibility of a custodial sentence.

The teenager will be sentenced on October 5 and was granted bail with the condition that she does not contact any prosecution witnesses.