A DRUNK and emotional motorist found with a large knife in his car told police he was on his way to confront his ex-girlfriend.

After hearing the disturbing details of the case at Carlisle Crown Court, Judge James Adkin jailed Shaun Peter Little, 25, for eight months and declared: “The message needs to go out that people who carry knives inevitably get sent to prison.”

Little had admitted drink-driving, breaching bail conditions, and carrying a knife in public.

Francis McEntee, prosecuting, said police became aware of Little as he sped away from traffic lights on Warwick Road on March 31. When he stopped, he was distressed and drunk, and when asked where he was going, he replied: “I’m on my way to my ex-girlfriend to knock her head off.”

She had destroyed his life, he said.

In the car’s footwell, police found a large knife. The police officer said it was a good job they stopped him, and Little, of Aglionby Street, Carlisle, said: “I’m so glad you did.”

A test showed Little had consumed more than twice the legal driving limit for alcohol.

Rachel Ottley, in mitigation, said: “His mental health had spiralled out of control.”He had self-harmed after his relationship with the woman broke down. A man of previous good character, he was not determined to not ever come back before a court.

On April 21, Little spoke to his former partner during a chance meeting, flouting his bail conditions. He told her: “I’m going to crown court because of you but you’ll be dead before I get to prison.”

The judge said this suggested Little continued to harbour aggressive feelings towards her.

Of the March 31 offence, the judge added: “The circumstances are so serious, only an immediate custodial sentence can be justified.”

He banned him from driving for 16 months, but extended that period to 21 months to account for the time Little will spend in jail.

The judge also imposed a two-year restraining order banning the defendant from contacting his former partner.