Max Farrer, 22, appeared at Hastings Magistrates Court on Wednesday, pleading guilty to assaulting his ex boyfriend during a heated row.

The court heard how Farrer had fallen out with his lover after the pair bickered over his partner's use of illegal substances.

Simon Allen, prosecuting, told the court: "Police were called to a home in Belmont Road at just after 7pm on October 26.

"There has been an argument and Farrer had grabbed a kitchen knife and told his partner 'One of us has to die. Will it be you or will it be me?' although I would suggest this was more theatrical than threatening.

"The two then calmed down and Farrer went to walk the dog. When he returned he had been locked out and broke back in using a brick.

"The pair then had a fight . It was an impulsive one-off incident and Farrer's boyfriend had to fend him off with a saucepan."

Aiden Harvey, defending, said: "He has moved from the home they shared in Belmont road to live with his mum in Cambridgeshire but hopes to move back to the area and reconcile with his ex once this is dealt with."

Tessa Szagun, district judge, gave Farrer a 12 month community order with a supervision requirement. She also ordered him to do 120 hours unpaid work.

Having delivered her verdict she said: "This was a nasty assault and it must have been a horrible and frightening experience for your partner."