A DOMESTIC argument saw a thug grab a knife from the kitchen and threaten to stab a woman in her face.

Alan Meadows was grabbing her by the throat at the time, having previously struck her with a steel toe capped boot.

The 61-year-old was subsequently charged with threatening a person with a blade in a private place and assault by beating.

He was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, having previously been convicted following a trial, and he appeared via video link from HM Prison Liverpool.

The incident occurred on New Year’s Day last year in the victim’s Orford home, explained Michael O’Brien, prosecuting.

The court heard how Meadows and his former partner were involved in an argument, which escalated and saw him attack her.

It was said that the defendant did so with the use of the ‘equivalent of a weapon’ in the form of a steel toe capped boot.

He struck her approximately 12 times with the boot, causing bruising and leaving her petrified.

Meadows then entered the kitchen, picked up a large knife, approached her, grabbed her by the throat and threatened to stab her in the face.

He also threatened to stab her in her eye – a threat he repeated in three menacing messages days later.

In an impact statement, the victim said: “I feel extremely scared due to his behaviour. The incident has impacted my mental health, anxiety and depression.”

She said that she struggles to sleep and is scared of the repercussions she may face once he is released from prison, leading her to overthink things and be paranoid.

As a result, she has changed the locks of her home and installed security cameras as she looks to move forward with her life.

Mr O’Brien relayed to the court that Meadows has 26 previous convictions for 72 offences, including a number for violent or harassment offences.

Mitigation was offered by Seline Kart, defending, who explained that her client suffers from a chronic disease, but is keen to undergo rehabilitation while in custody.

“I ask your honour to keep the sentence as short as possible, commensurate with his public duty,” she added.

Before sentencing, judge Neil Flewitt said: “I have no doubt that she believed you were going to use that knife to cause her serious injuries.

“You have a bad criminal record, with previous convictions for offences of violence, harassment, breaching court orders and possessing bladed articles.

“I have read her written statement and watched her during the trial, and it is clear she is extremely frightened of you.

“It is clear to me during the evidence, looking at the text messages, you were controlling and manipulative, doing everything you could to bend her to your will.”

Meadows, of Densham Avenue in Longford, was sentenced to two years in prison, which he is to serve immediately.

The court also imposed restraining orders prohibiting him from contacting approaching the victim or her mother, both for a period of 10 years.