A MAN who was spared prison after he held a knife to the throat of an ex-partner will not be put behind bars despite breaching a suspended sentence order on multiple occasions.

Wilson Carey, 26, was arrested after a confrontation at an address in Harwich in July last year, which arose after neighbours heard a woman’s screams.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard a neighbour had described the scream as “bloodcurdling”.

When the neighbours arrived at the house, they were able to see inside and noticed Carey holding a kitchen knife to his then partner’s throat.

The neighbours entered the home and one was injured in an assault carried out by Carey.

Carey, of Bridge Place, Cattawade, admitted assault occasioning actual bodily harm and affray and was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

READ MORE: Neighbours stepped in after man held knife to former partner's throat

He was ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work and a 35-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

But he was hauled back before a judge yesterday after his second breach of the order.

The court heard he breached an electronically monitored curfew and failed to keep to a planned telephone appointment.

Recorder Mills said: “That was an order that was not imposed on you lightly and this is your second breach, in fact it is a number of breaches.

“You are somewhat saved at this point by the fact you have been engaging with the rehabilitation activity requirement days and you’ve completed those days.”

The judge said the probation service wished to add a further 19-day rehabilitation programme to the order and did not seek to activate the prison sentence.

“I am going to make that order today, and you are to pay the costs of £60,” he said.

“Be under no illusion. This does not mean the suspended sentence will not be activated in the event there are further breaches, or that you do not engage.

“You must engage, it is important you engage, otherwise you could well find yourself going out of that door at the back [of the courtroom].”