AN ILMINSTER man who held a knife towards his partner telling her to shut up or he would do something stupid said he was overwhelmed with family pressures at the time, a court has heard.

Jamie Laing started arguing with the victim over who was doing the school run.

He then flew into a rage and picked up the knife waving it in the air.

When he was later arrested by police officers he admitted opening the knife and saying “shut the f*** up or I’ll do something stupid”.

Laing, 35, of Station Road, pleaded guilty to assaulting Tanya Jones during the incident at Ilminster on June 14 when he appeared before District Judge David Taylor, sitting at Yeovil.

Julyan Stephens, prosecuting, said that on the day in question the couple began arguing about who was going to do the school run.

“Miss Jones wanted Laing to stay off work and help her but while they were in the lounge he picked up a penknife and waved it in the air so she called the police,” he said.

“Officers attended the scene and found Laing in Station Road.

“After he was arrested he said: ‘I did pick up the knife and raise it to the ceiling but I had no intention of hurting her’.

“He said it was a one-sided relationship and it was incredibly difficult to live with her.

“He also said that he believed she was suffering from post natal depression.”

Laing claimed that during the argument Miss Jones had been calling him names and had pushed him to his limit and he got in a rage.

He then picked up a small fishing knife, opened it and held it over her.

Defending solicitor Ray Peters said that Laing’s actions were “a cry for help”.

He added that Laing would comply with any punishment ordered by the court.

“This has highlighted the issues within the family and the complainant has now been prescribed different medication which has helped her mental health,” he said.

“Their relationship has now improved and it is hoped it will continue.”

District Judge Taylor sentenced the defendant to a 12 month community order with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement for 30 days.

Laing was also ordered to pay a £150 court charge, a £60 victim surcharge and £40 towards costs.