A MAN who threatened to carve up his girlfriend into pieces has been spared jail after she made an emotional plea to a judge at Swindon Crown Court.

Kevin Malcolm told Jane Woodley he was going to have her killed and that she would be carved up and put in the bath after a drunken row at their home off the High Street in Wootton Bassett.

The court heard on Friday that after an argument in which Ms Woodley, 43, decided she was going to walk out on Malcolm, 34, he started waving a six-inch carving knife and making threats to kill her before head-butting and kicking her.

"I'm going to come round there and rip all your heads off," he said when Ms Woodley said she was going to stay with Malcolm's parents the night of the row on November 15.

He later sent her a text message saying: " I will have you killed."

The episode was all down to drink, the court heard.

Later Ms Woodley and Malcolm's parents called the police and had him arrested because they thought it was the only thing that might curb his drinking.

The court was told that, just months before the attack, Malcolm was released from prison after serving an 18-month sentence for arson after another drunken rage where he set fire to two sofas.

But in court Ms Woodley said: "When he is stone cold sober he is a totally different person. I love him very much and want to spend the rest of my life with him.

"It has taken a lot for me to do this and would really like Kevin to get help I don't think prison is the answer."

She told the court that since the incident the couple had been living separately, but saw each other practically every day.

Defence barrister Robin Shellard said Malcolm had made full and frank admissions and pleaded guilty to charges of making threats to kill and assault at the earliest opportunity.

He said that complaints of domestic violence were often made out of bitterness, hurt and a desire for a way out.

In this case, he argued, it was made out of love and concern.

Ms Woodley said her partner was sober 99 per cent of the time and did not think he was an alcoholic.

Sentencing Malcolm to a two-year community rehabilitation order, judge Thomas Longbotham said: "Society in general and Ms Woodley in particular is best served building on the progress that has now been made.

"There may be structures to help people with motivation, but the motivation has got to come from Kevin.

"I have heard from Ms Woodley someone you owe a huge debt of gratitude.

"It is not a question any longer that you know best."

Malcolm was also ordered to attend a domestic violence programme and work with the probation service to address his drink problem.

gsheldrick@newswilts.co.uk