A 29-YEAR-OLD Caerphilly man who slit his throat in front of his former partner has been given a six month suspended prison sentence.

Gary Evans, of Haldane Court, pleaded guilty to affray and was sentenced at Newport Crown Court on Friday, June 12. He was given a six month sentence suspended for two years.

A 10 year restraining order was also made against Evans following the offence which saw him turn up at his ex-partner's house on March 18 and threatened to smash the windows.

Prosecutor John Ryan told the court Evans, who had drunk three cans of lager and three litres of cider, arrived at the victim's house in Graig y Rhacca at around 10.40pm and began to loudly bang on the windows.

During the incident, which lasted around an hour, Evans punched the windows on the front of the house and was "abusive".

Mr Ryan said: "The victim was so frightened she suffered from palpitations".

The victim's sister arrived but was followed inside by Evans who said he was going to get a knife and headed to the kitchen.

Mr Ryan said: "He picked up a fork from the kitchen and then picked up two knives. He drew it in a slicing motion across his neck.

"The victim could see the blood spurt from his neck. She described herself as being petrified as to what he might do."

Evans was taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital where he needed seven stitches and was arrested on March 19.

On Friday, Judge PK Lewis made a 10 year restraining order preventing Evans to contact the victim and gave a six month suspended sentence. Evans must also pay £200 in victim surcharge and court costs.

In mitigation Ed Mitchard, defending, said: "It was a cry for help, your Honour. The knife itself was used on himself. He has a history of mental health difficulties."

Judge PK Lewis told the defendant: "You told police you were drunk and your intention was to kill yourself.

"Had you threatened them with it [the knife] you would have gone straight to prison.

"Your best mitigation is that you pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity."