A pensioner who called police from the pub threatening to stab his wife to death has appeared in court. 

Paul Bellamy, 75, made the call on August 3, telling officers he “could not trust himself” not to carry out the threat against his wife of 24 years. 

Prosecutor Holly Postle told Norwich Magistrates’ Court: “He said that he had been sad and that the only option was to stab her. He said that he would select a steak knife and stab her through the ribs and into her heart." 

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Bellamy, of Dell Road East in Lowestoft, admitted sending a message that conveyed a threat of death.

Emma Lloyd, mitigating, said the couple had been together for 37 years but had recently faced pressures. 

“This is a really unfortunate incident where he has reached out for help in an entirely inappropriate way,” she said.

Imposing a 12 month conditional discharge, Deputy District Judge Jacqui Appleton said: “The court is concerned by the nature of the threat. 

“The content was very serious, however I am reassured that protective measures will be put in place to reduce the risks and pressures in the family home.”