A MAN who refused to leave his former partner’s property was found in possession of a pocket knife when police were called, magistrates heard.

David Paul Newbury, 41, from Hunderton, Hereford, admitted criminal damage of a bedroom cabinet and a section 39 assault charge with no physical contact.

Mr Newbury and Melanie Christopher had been former partners prior to the incident, Hereford magistrates heard.

Rhodri Jones, prosecuting, told the court last week that police received a call on April 27 stating Newbury had shown Miss Christopher a knife.

Police officers equipped with Tasers attended the property and on arrival Miss Christopher was crying and told the officers that she wanted him to go.

Newbury was arrested and found in possession of a 30 centimetre long pink pipe concealed in his sleeve and a brown handled knife.

Newbury said he carried a pocket knife which he used to clip his nails and didn’t use it to threaten people. Newbury added that as he was walking out of the bedroom he picked up the pink pole which was an extension of a scooter and he had planned to put in a shed. Paddy Kelly, mitigating, said there was no violence used.

He said that, leading up to the incident, deaths within Newbury’s family had led to depression but he had now turned his life around.

Magistrates handed Newbury a conditional discharge for 12 months.

He was also ordered to pay £350 costs and £50 compensation to Miss Christopher.

A restraining order was also imposed preventing Newbury from contacting Miss Christopher.