AN ENRAGED husband armed with a 15-inch machete threatened to slit the throats of his wife and her new lover, a court heard.

Reginald Lawson, aged 39, of Delves Avenue, Bewsey, admitted causing an affray, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of heroin and having an article with intent to destroy property. He was jailed for six months.

Anthony Jamieson, prosecuting, said there had been arguments between the defendant and his wife over his drug problems. She eventually left him and set up home with Andrew Stockton.

"The defendant came knocking at the door, carrying a machete with a 15-inch blade and asked to speak to Mr. Stockton. He told him to keep away from his wife."

He then drove off but was arrested by police. They searched the defendant and found a centre punch. He confessed he was going to smash Mr. Stockton's car with it.

David Edwards, defending, said: "There has been a reconciliation between Mr. and Mrs. Lawson. This was a drug-related incident and he has changed his behaviour.

"He did not approach the house with the machete but got it out and chopped a nearby tree with it - he could not handle the break-up of the relationship."

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