A SISTER who held a knife to her sibling’s throat after spraying graffiti in her home has been given a two-year community order.

Burnley Crown Court heard Victoria Beard, from Accrington, held a 12in kitchen knife to Elizabeth Beard’s throat after an ‘episode’ in her sister’s home in January.

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said Victoria, 22, suffered with mental health issues and had a history of difficulties with her sister.

The court heard Elizabeth, who suffers from ADHD and Asperger syndrome, invited Victoria to her home in Albert Street, Clayton-le-Moors, to have food with a friend.

Mrs Kehoe said two hours after putting her two young children to bed at 8pm, Elizabeth said her sister was feeling sick, feeling unwell and began hearing voices.

After feeling concerned because her young children were upstairs, Elizabeth asked her sister to leave.

Mrs Kehoe said: “Elizabeth said she was thinking her sister was going downhill and going to have an ‘episode’.

“The defendant was screaming and shouting, and their friend tried to intervene.

“Elizabeth went to the kitchen to calm down and have a cigarette.

“She went back to the lounge and her sister had used some spray paint to put a big letter ‘T’ on her wall, there was more spray paint on her wall.

“This antagonised the situation.

“The defendant went into the kitchen.

“The defendant was able to arm herself with a kitchen knife with a 12in blade and held the knife in her hand.

“Elizabeth described the blade as touching her choker, on her top she was wearing which insinuates how close it was.”

Mrs Kehoe said the pair’s friend had called the police.

She said: “Elizabeth describes herself as terrified, never so scared in her life.

“She sees her sister's arrest as the start of the change and moving forward."

“In the future she will help the can rekindle their relationship.”

Philip Holden, defending, said the defendant suffered from mental health issues and a prison sentence may see her lose her accommodation in Beech Grove, Accrington.

Victoria pleaded guilty to affray and criminal damage and was given a two-year community order, two years' supervision and ordered to take part in rehabilitation activity.

Judge Simon Medland QC said: “Sadly you have mental problems which from time to time mean you behave in a way that is completely unacceptable.

“This sort of behaviour is not right. To use a knife anywhere near anyone is exceptionally dangerous, really, really dangerous.

“You offended in this way because you were unwell and because you could not control yourself at the time.

“This is not simply to let you off. I want you to understand here how serious this is and how unacceptable this is.

“Its important you work hard to keep yourself on the straight and narrow.”