AN ALCOHOLIC who threatened his friend with a knife after drinking a litre of vodka was given a suspended prison sentence.

Ian Harris, 56, of East View, Pontypool, was staying with his friend David Ivins who he knew from an initiative to help those with alcohol problems.

After drinking heavily on September 2 this year, Harris fell asleep. When he woke his friend asked if he would like any food and Harris reacted angrily, swearing at Mr Ivins and calling him selfish.

He pulled a knife from a vase, held it to Mr Ivins’ chest and told him he would kill him, Newport Crown Court heard.

Gareth James, prosecuting, said: “The defendant threw the knife to the floor. He then said, “Be careful when you go to sleep tonight because I’m going to kill you.

“The following day the defendant apologised for what he had said. During the course of his [police] interview he was remorseful.

“He explained they were good friends and he regretted his actions.”

Stephen Thomas, defending, said: “He has fully admitted his role in the offence.

“He doesn’t prevaricate in any way whatsoever.”

Harris admitted making threats to kill on September 2 this year.

Judge Richard Twomlow said: “It’s clear you were heavily intoxicated when you made these threats. You intended your victim to believe the threat and you had a knife at the time.

“The offence is so serious that only a prison sentence can be justified for it.”

He imposed a nine month suspended sentence and ordered Harris to attend 10 sessions of a crime reduction initiative.

He will also have to pay a £100 victim surcharge and £200 costs.