A MAN who threatened to “chop up” his former partner with a samurai sword has been jailed for a year.

Jonathon Coxon became annoyed when the woman arrived 45 minutes early at his home to collect their child, and swore at her, before slamming the door.

Prosecuting at Teesside Crown Court, Harry Hadfield said the victim decided to wait outside and picked up one of Coxon’s dogs, petting it.

This further enraged the defendant who threatened: “Give me back my dog or I will kill you.”

Coxon, 20, of St Bees Walk, Hartlepool, went back into his property and emerged with a samurai sword, waving it about and again threatening to kill the woman.

Police were called and Coxon handed over the two foot blade which he had kept in his loft.

He told police that the victim was gripping one of his dogs around its neck and he was concerned for the animal’s safety.

The victim said in a statement: “I have never been so frightened in my life. I thought Jonathon was going to kill me.”

Gary Wood, mitigating, said the pair had separated acrimoniously following a two year relationship.

He said: “He [Coxon] reacted very badly. His behaviour was unacceptable on the day in question.”

Coxon admitted making a threat to kill on January 14 this year.

Judge Peter Armstrong said it was impossible to avoid an immediate jail sentence.

He said: “You may not have intended to use the sword, but you intended her [the victim] to believe you would.”

As well as being jailed, Coxon was made subject to a three year long restraining order meaning he cannot contact the victim directly or indirectly, except through a solicitor.