A MAN threatened another with a knife outside the Southampton flat of the former partner of both men, the city court was told.

Shocked neighbours called the police when they saw the melee on the communal lawn with the girlfriend and another man trying to keep the pair apart.

Prosecutor Siobhan Linsley said one witness had seen Patrick Gillan making “stabbing motions” towards Gavin Phillips with an eight-inch serrated blade.

He then dropped the weapon before punching the victim who was already on the ground.

Gillan picked up the knife and went back to the man, appearing to try and stab him. “There was screaming and shouting from the group,” Ms Linsley said.

Police, who arrived at the scene shortly after the fight ended, found both bloodied men in the flat.

Said to have 18 previous convictions, Gillan, 34, of James Street, Southampton, admitted affray and was jailed for six months.

Alistair Wright, defending, said Gillan had injured his hand when taking the knife off Phillips and he went beyond self defence.