A DAD who brandished a knife at his girlfriend and said he wanted to kill her after headbutting her in a drunken rage has walked free from court.

Thomas Quinn, 34, was told by Recorder William Andreae-Jones QC, sitting at Swindon Crown Court, the courts take domestic violence very seriously.

But Quinn was given 100 hours of community service and put on probation for two years.

He was also ordered to pay £1,000 compensation and £570 court costs.

Alan Fuller, prosecuting, said Quinn had been in a relationship with Tanya Reynolds for four years before the incident on August 21 at her Old Town home.

Mr Fuller said: "An argument started. The defendant lost his temper and was abusive.

"As she stood up he headbutted her twice striking her to the face. He also punched out, hitting the wall."

He then got a knife with a seven to eight-inch blade from the kitchen.

"He waved the knife while verbally abusing Miss Reynolds and there was damage to a cushion," said Mr Fuller. "The knife was returned to the kitchen and he left. "

Miss Reynolds was taken to hospital and when Quinn was arrested he said he wanted to scare her to stop her shouting.

Quinn, of Gorse Crescent, Stretford, Manchester, admitted actual bodily harm. He denied threats to kill and the charge was left on file.

Robin Shellard, defending, said "The first thing I say on behalf of Mr Quinn is an apology to Miss Reynolds for his behaviour."

Mr Shellard said the relationship had been going downhill and Quinn's mental health had been deteriorating.

Mr Shellard said Quinn had not contacted Miss Reynolds since and accepted he might not see his son again.

Passing sentence Recorder Andreae-Jones said "You terrified Miss Reynolds over a period of time. You are contrite in court but you didn't show contrition to the psychiatrist. You told him you didn't realise what you did was an offence.

"Domestic violence is a dreadful thing and the courts take a very serious view of it."

Jamie Hill