Rishton man threatened to stab partner's sister (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Rishton man threatened to stab partner's sister

11:38am Friday 21st December 2012 in Hyndburn

A 21-YEAR-OLD man who armed himself with a knife told his partner’s sister not to doubt that he would stab her.

Blackburn magistrates heard Richard Alan Thomas didn’t actually touch Lisa West but his words and actions put her in fear of violence and amounted to assault.

Thomas, 27, of Victoria Street, Rishton, pleaded guilty to assault and was fined £70 with £70 costs.

Prosecutor Catherine Allan said Louise West, who was in a relationship with Thomas, had left their house after an argument.

She returned with her mother and sister to collect a cat but were confronted by Thomas who was carrying the knife.

“He said the knife was for Lisa West’s boyfriend but he would stab her,” said Miss Allan.

“She said normally she would have stood up to Thomas but was terrified because he had the knife in his hand.”

Andrew Church-Taylor, defending, said Thomas thought Lisa’s boyfriend was coming to get him.

“He was frightened and picked up the knife as a deterrent,” added Mr Church-Taylor.