A 21-YEAR-OLD pregnant Stonehouse woman who armed herself with a kitchen knife and burst into a neighbour’s home when a feud got out of hand has walked free from court.

Melanie Bromwich of Juniper Way, Stonehouse, who admitted possessing an offensive weapon and causing criminal damage, was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months plus six months’ supervision when she appeared at Gloucester Crown Court on Friday.

Prosecuting barrister Julian Kesner said: “There was an argument between the neighbours on March 11, 2013, and Mr Kevin Hill produced a metal pole, hit out with it and then ran back to his house.

“The defendant and 20-year-old Benjamin Stoodley, also of Juniper Way, who had produced an axe, struck out at Mr Hill’s front door.

“The defendant joined in, kicking and punching the door, smashing windows, and then she ran back home, picked up a kitchen knife and got into Mr Hill’s house.

“There was a struggle between the defendant and Mr Hill by the stairs and Mr Hill tried to fend off the defendant.

“When the defendant left she threw the knife at Mr Hill but fortunately it missed him.”

The court heard that Bromwich had several previous convictions for criminal damage, public order and assault.

Judge William Hart said: “This was deplorable behaviour and custody has to be considered, but as your co-accused Benjamin Stoodley received a suspended jail sentence for his part in the incident, in the interests of parity you will receive a similar disposal.

“And considering your condition you must behave yourself during the next 12 months or you will find yourself in prison for the birth of your child, which is not a place you would want to be.”

Bromwich was given a six-month prison sentence suspended for 12 months with supervision.

Earlier this month, Benjamin Stoodley, aged 21, also of Juniper Way, Stonehouse, was sentenced to a four-month jail term suspended for a year and ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work with £200 costs plus an £80 surcharge for his part in the incident.

He pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, an axe, during the incident and also admitted damaging Mr Hill’s front door.