A MAN who threatened to stab a fellow party-goer in the neck with a kitchen knife was sentenced to 15 months’ imprisonment.

Ryan Madden, 24, of Leadon Court, Cwmbran, appeared at Cardiff Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon.

The court heard Madden had been drinking vodka all day with a group of friends on July 26 to celebrate a birthday and had returned with them to a flat in Cwmbran.

Prosecuting, Gareth James said one of the party, Jonathan Buckley, noticed his wallet was missing and Madden felt that he was being accused.

Mr Buckley said Madden started “kicking off” and butted another member of the party, Darren Barton, before chasing him outside and over a fence.

Mr Buckley said he noticed Madden had a four-inch kitchen knife and grabbed the defendant as he was trying to get over the fence.

After he took Madden back into the flat and tried to calm him down, Madden started screaming and said he was going to stab Mr Buckley in the neck.

Mr Buckley said he saw the knife flash past his face. He ran into a nearby shop, where the police were called.

The knife was recovered by police from a hedge.

The court heard Madden, who has 25 convictions for 50 offences, including violence and arson, had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and was at a crossroads in his life, wanting to put his past behind him.

Recorder Jeremy Jenkins sentenced Madden to 15 months for affray and four months for possession of an offensive weapon. The sentences will be served concurrently.