A KNIFE-wielding stepfather-of-two who used what magistrates described as "extreme violence" towards his wife, walked free from court.

The Burnley bench was told how Neil John Bevan, 27, threw the family's tea out of the window and dragged his wife Julie into the garden and kicked her.

He then put a knife against the terrified woman's face and threatened to kill her as her daughters screamed and shouted.

Mrs Bevan, who thought she was going to die, escaped and flagged down a passing police car.

She was left suffering injuries to her neck and shin and although her husband wanted the marriage back on, she was more wary.

The defendant, of Peel Road, Colne, admitted assault by beating, on July 26. He was given a three year community rehabilitation order, must attend the domestic violence prevention programme for at least 60 days and pay £55 costs.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, said the complainant returned from work and was immediately met with aggressive behaviour by Bevan.

He kicked open the kitchen door, was threatening, demanded to know what she was cooking, picked up the pan and threw it through the open window.

He then dragged his wife into the garden, called her a bitch and told her to clean it up. Bevan kicked his wife in the shin as she sobbed and realised somebody was watching as she fell to her knees.

Mr Robinson said Mrs Bevan took the pan back inside and tried to carry on making the children's tea. She then went upstairs and the defendant was standing there, with half a bottle of vodka in one hand and a kitchen knife in the other.

The defendant told his wife he was sick of her, but when she asked him why he didn't just go, Bevan put the knife to her face and threatened to kill everybody before he went.