A jealous 21-year-old has been spared jail for threatening his partner’s former boyfriend with a knife after he sent her a text.

Ipswich Crown Court heard Robert Armour, of Hawke Road, told Phil Mayhew he was going to kill him and ordered him to beg for his life so he could take a photograph.

Armour was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for a year, after previously admitting threatening another with a bladed article.

Sentencing Armour, Recorder Ian Evans said: “This by any reckoning was a frightening experience for Mr Mayhew.”

The court heard the incident occurred out of a sense of betrayal or jealousy, because Mr Mayhew was apparently “seeking to re-invigorate a relationship” that had recently ended with Armour’s partner.

The judge added: “You say in a moment you acted impulsively and out of character and in that process took a knife to threaten him.

“I accept that, in the circumstances, the impulsion drove you to take the knife.

“This was not in the sense of a calculated decision on your part.”

It was acknowledged Armour had intended to frighten Mr Mayhew, not harm him, and that he was genuinely remorseful for his actions.

Prosecutor Russell Butcher previously told the court the incident began in Hadleigh Road, Ipswich, on September 17.

Mr Mayhew, a co-worker of Armour’s partner, was confronted by Armour, who asked him if his name was Phil. He then asked why Mr Mayhew had sent a text to his girlfriend.

Armour produced a kitchen knife with a four to five-inch blade from the waistband of his trousers and waved it around. He then put it back in his waistband.

Mr Butcher said at one point Armour told Mr Mayhew: “Your are dying tonight. Come with me. I’m going to kill you.”

He also told Mr Mayhew to get on his knees and beg for his life while he took a picture.

Mr Mayhew attempted to move away towards Sainsbury’s petrol station with Armour following him.

Armour then told Mr Mayhew to quit his job the following day or he would kill him.

The incident ended when Mr Mayhew attracted the attention of a motorist.

Paul Donegan, representing Armour who had no previous convictions, said his client was very upset when he learned of the text to his girlfriend.

He added: “The (pre-sentence) report describes his actions, having seen that text message, as a moment of madness. He genuinely has acted out of character.

“He hasn’t reflected on his actions. He has effectively got up and run out of the house - he’s seen red. When he saw that text message it is not surprising he has had a negative response.

“Perhaps it could be said the experience of what has happened has led him to grow up very quickly since the night of September 17.”

Armour’s partner and Mr Mayhew still work together.

In addition to his suspended sentence Armour must pay Mr Mayhew £1,500 compensation, and £1,570 in costs and a court charge.