A FORMER soldier threatened a terrified pensioner with a large knife and left a police officer injured.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Mark Kenworthy, 50, pulled the seven-inch kitchen knife on 63-year-old Kathleen Dyton when she went to complain about him playing loud music in his flat.

Police were called and he then slammed the door on PC Philip Scott's arm and trapped him, causing reddening and grazing.

The hearing was told how the defendant, who had been drinking, had not taken his medication and was hearing voices, became mentally ill after service in Northern Ireland.

He cried in the dock as a judge told him he deserved compassion and help as well as punishment.

Recorder Robert Shaw said Kenworthy, also the victim of a troubled childhood, said: "I see no purpose to be served in locking you up."

The defendant, of Cross Street West, Colne, admittted possessing an offensive weapon and assault, last October.

He was given a community order with 18 months supervision.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said Miss Dyton, who lives in America, had been visiting her mother, a neighbour of Kenworthy's.

She went to speak to the defendant about loud music from his home but got no response.

She called the police, they said it was a council matter and she went to the defendant's door again.

Kenworthy appeared at the door, shouting and swearing and armed with a knife.

He went out onto the top step and made stabbing actions.

He then grabbed hold of the pensioner, tried to push her to the top of the stairs and she had to take hold of the hand rail to prevent herself falling down them.

PC Scott arrived and went with her as she asked Kenworthy again to turn down the music.

He tried to follow Kenworthy into his flat but he slammed the door on the officer, catching his arm.

Michael Murray, for Kenworthy, said his medication had run out, he had taken alcohol and his behaviour had been out of character.

Now he had regained his lucidity he was extremely apologetic for what he did.