A Portadown man who threatened his partner and mother of his two children with a knife has been sentenced to four months in prison.
Court heard the 34-year-old was detected by police after a member of the public spotted him carrying a knife in the street.
Jaoa Dos Santos, of George Street, pleaded guilty to common assault and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, where he appeared via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on October 21, police received a report from a member of the public who saw a male carrying a knife walking down Thomas Street, Portadown, with a female.
When officers arrived, they approached the pair, and as they did, the male set down the knife and made off with the female.
The following day, the injured party reported that on October 21 her partner – the defendant – had chased her out of her home into the street with a knife.
She said after being threatened by Dos Santos she left and went to stay with her cousin.
On November 30, the defendant presented himself to Lurgan Police Station and was arrested.
During interview, he made full admissions to the offences before the court.
It was outlined by the prosecution that Dos Santos had no record.
Defence barrister Conor Lunny stated: “He has spent two months real time in custody. He knows how serious this matter is. All domestic violence incidents are serious matters but this is aggravated by the use of a knife.
“This is his long standing partner. They have two children together who live in Portugal with their grandparents. Mr Dos Santos and his partner came to this jurisdiction to earn money for a better life.”
He continued: “This was down to an argument which spiralled way way out of control. It is likely that they will have some contact but it is not known what state the relationship is going forward.”
District Judge Rosie Watters said: “He has already served the equivalent of four months in prison. I will give him credit for his full admissions at the earliest opportunity and his plea.”
Dos Santos was sentenced to four months in prison.
