A MAN slashed at his housemate and ex-girlfriend with a knife after an argument broke out in an Ammanford flat.

Prosecutor Hannah George told Swansea Crown Court the friendship between Daniel Popovici and his flatmate Valdermar Moreira had “deteriorated because of the defendant’s consumption of alcohol”.

An argument broke out on February 1 after Mr Moreira returned home but wasn’t able to get in, as Popovici had taken the only key with him as he went to the shop to buy alcohol.

Carol Watkins, Popovici’s ex-partner who met Mr Moreira through him, went in to the defendant’s room to attempt to prevent it escalating further, but “that only increased the defendant’s anger”, Ms George said.

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When she went back in to Popovici’s room, he had a knife and was “repeatedly hitting and stabbing the wall”.

The defendant came in to Mr Moreira’s room with the knife and held it to his throat, threatening to “cut his head off”.

Popovici then lifted up his top and began cutting himself. When Mr Moreira attempted to get him to stop, Popovici lunged towards him with the knife, but didn’t make contact.

Ms Watkins shouted at Popovici to stop. He then turned on her with the knife and “waved it in a slashing movement”.

Popovici said he would “slit Mr Moreira’s throat when he was asleep” and then gestured with the knife across his own throat. He then lifted up his top and started injuring himself again.

Mr Moreira and Ms Watkins left the flat and called the police. Mr Moreira tried to pull the door closed, but Popovici stopped him and repeatedly thrusted the knife through the gap.

The defendant went back inside when he heard police sirens approaching.

Officers found the knife under Popovici’s bed, and he was arrested. In interview, he said he had the knife as he had been cooking, and denied making any threats.

The 39-year-old defendant, who has no previous convictions, denied two offences of threatening a person with an bladed article in a private place, but admitted affray.

Scott Bowen, in mitigation, said: “The defendant is under no illusions as to the seriousness of his offending.”

Mr Bowen said Popovici, now of no fixed abode, moved to the UK seven years ago in search of employment.

“The defendant has an extremely positive attitude towards work and employment,” he said.

“He has shown and demonstrated an admirable work ethic.”

Popovici “would benefit from targeted intervention” to address issues with his drinking and “emotional deficiencies”, Mr Bowen said.  

Judge Catherine Richards sentenced Popovici to 17 months, suspended for 12 months. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days, and both his victims were granted two-year restraining orders.