A man who lifted a knife and threatened to kill his ex-partner and children has been jailed for six months.
Belfast Magistrates Court heard that George Hawthorne also damaged a computer and mobile phone belonging to one of the youngsters during an alcohol-fuelled row.
Hawthorne, of Glenville Park in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, was warned to stay away from the victim's home to avoid further imprisonment in future.
The 35-year-old was convicted of four counts of threats to kill and criminal damage.
He committed the offences after turning up at the woman's home on February 10 this year.
A prosecution lawyer said she let him in because she was afraid he might assault her if she denied him entry.
"Whilst at her home he grabbed a knife and threatened to kill her and her four children," the lawyer said.
Defence barrister Rachael McCormick told the court Hawthorne and the woman had been drinking together at the house.
He left following an argument, but the row escalated when he returned to retrieve his phone.
"The defendant, in the heat of the moment, made various threats that involved their children, but they were made to (the woman), not the children directly," she said.
District Judge George Conner was told Hawthorne is one of the children's biological father, but has also acted at stepfather to the other three for a number of years.
According to Ms McCormick their mother withdrew her initial complaint, but could have been issued with a witness summons to give evidence at any trial.
"Mr Hawthorne didn't wish to put any pressure on his ex-partner or his children, and he then consented to matters," she said.
The barrister also stressed her client has now spent nearly four months in custody on remand.
Mr Conner cautioned Hawthorne against going back to the house and getting into another row which could see him arrested again.
Imposing a total sentence of six months, the judge said: "If he has any sense he will stay away and not prejudice his position as regards seeing the children.
"He would be as well giving this lady a wide berth if he wants to stay out of custody in future."
