A man who dragged his girlfriend from a car and threatened her with a nine-inch knife escaped a prison sentence.

Jason Lee Newsom swore and kicked at the car window before attacking his partner, causing injuries to her arm and neck.

Newsom, 28, pleaded guilty at Worthing Magistrates' Court to common assault and causing fear of violence.

District Judge Paul Tain said: "For this offence, I would normally send to prison - we do not tolerate knives.

"But you seem to be a person who is gradually maturing and able to keep yourself out of court."

Angela McGuinness, prosecuting, said Newsom and the victim were separated at the time of the attack but are now back together.

She was being driven to her sister's home, in Cissbury Road, Worthing, in a friend's car when Newsom got out of his own car and started to jump and kick at the window.

He grabbed his girlfriend's arm and dragged her through the driver's door.

Ms McGuinness said: "It was then the victim noticed a black handled knife, about nine inches long, being held up at her throat.

"It was held against the skin. She was scared for her life.

"The friend managed to cause a distraction and allow her to run from him and call the police at her sister's house."

The attack went on for ten minutes.

Adrian Butt, defending, said Newsom had attended anger management courses and his girlfriend was at the hearing to show her support.

Newsom, of Upton Road, Worthing, was given an 18-month community rehabilitation order and a 100-hour community punishment order.

He was ordered to pay £55 costs.