A FORMER soldier threatened to slit his ex-partner's throat during a row over his use of cannabis.

Blackburn magistrates heard when police arrested Ryan Gowans he had a hunting knife in his possession.

Gowans, 29, of Truro Avenue, Stockport, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in the rear alley of Waterbarn Street, Burnley, assaulting Sharon Cawse and damaging two doors belonging to her.

He was made subject to a community order for 18 months with 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement, fined 50 with £85 compensation, £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, said Gowans and Miss Cawse had known each other for many years and had a child. He didn't live with her but kept some of his things there and sometimes stayed over to have contact with his son.

She said on the night of the incident Gowans, who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, wanted to smoke a joint and Miss Cawse wouldn't let him. He later accused her of controlling him but she said she just didn't want him smoking cannabis in the house.

"He became abusive and she walked away to try and diffuse the situation," said Miss Akhtar. "When she asked him to leave he became angry and then kicked a broom which damaged a door. He said he was going to slit her throat and smash up the house. He didn't produce the knife but he had it on him."

Richard Prew, defending, said his client had left the army in 2010 having been injured in action in Afghanistan

"Because of what he witnessed and injuries to himself he suffered from post traumatic stress disorder and the one thing that keeps him calm is smoking cannabis," said Mr Prew. "He doesn't take it for pleasure but he knows it causes trouble between them."

Mr Prew said the knife was not used to threaten Miss Cawse and there was no actual physical violence.

"The assault is on the basis of the fear of violence," said Mr Prew. "When he was challenged by the police he warned the officer he had a knife and produced it from his waist band."