A MAN who threatened to throw a large paving slab at his love rival has been jailed.

While awaiting trial for that incident, Bradley Bell chased after another man with a large kitchen knife in front of police, York Crown Court heard.

Bell has more than 20 years of violent and other convictions, has served prison sentences for GBH and wounding offences, and was made subject to a two-year ASBO order in January 2009 after stealing a purse.

Judge Chris Burn said: “It is a dangerous state of affairs to have someone like yourself out and about with these weapons.” He jailed him for eight months.

Bell, 41, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour in Tang Hall, York, on January 30 and carrying a knife on October 5, the day before he was due to stand trial for the earlier offence.

Rob Galley, prosecuting, said Melanie Small had just returned home with her partner, David Nicholson, when Bell arrived at their address. They went outside and the men argued in the street.

A passing motorist said Bell had a paving slab measuring 1.5ft by 1.5ft above his head, and Mr Galley said he looked like he was going to throw it at the others.

While on bail, police spotted Bell running after another man with a kitchen knife near York City FC’s Bootham Crescent ground, and arrested him.

For Bell, Taryn Turner, said her client had been in a relationship with Ms Small and Mr Nicholson had objected. She said the couple had been reluctant or had refused to give evidence against Bell.

The court was told that, in the October knife incident, Bell picked the blade up in the street shortly before seeing the man and had intended to hand it to the appropriate authorities.

Bell had been drinking when he committed the offences and had difficulties with alcohol and drugs. He wanted to be a family man on his release.