A WOMAN grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to stab herself and her on/off partner.

Bolton Crown Court heard how probation officers, looking for Loribeth Boardman's boyfriend, Daniel Blythe, called at her Withins Lane, Bolton, home on October 12 last year.

Simon Barrett, prosecuting, said 26-year-old Boardman, who was in the middle of an argument with Blythe, let them in.

"It is clear there was an ongoing dispute which became aggressive an violent between the two parties present," said Mr Barrett.

The officers tried to calm matters down but Boardman and Blythe were said to be "in each other's faces" screaming and shouting and Boardman grabbed him by his cheeks.

After Blythe was persuaded to leave Boardman grabbed a large kitchen knife, threatened to kill herself and pointed it at one of the officers before going outside with it

Police were called and no one was injured. Boardman pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and assault.

Kevin Liston, defending, said Boardman has now abstained from drinking alcohol and she is having counselling.

Judge Graeme Smith sentenced her to four months in prison, suspended for a year and ordered her to participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activities.