A MOTHER stabbed her neighbour on Christmas Day before threatening to burn another alive, a court heard.

Following a dispute Ashley Platt attacked Gary Howarth outside Chelsea Avenue in Radcliffe on December 25 last year, using a knife to stab him in the back.

The 29-year-old was arrested and released on bail but then threatened to kill another neighbour, Joel Bradley, at his flat in Chelsea Avenue on February 13.

At Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court Judge Angela Nield heard how the defendant had poured paraffin around Mr Bradley’s front door frame.

Nicola Wells, prosecuting, said: “The victim was on the sofa when he heard two kicks followed by, ‘I’m going to kill you’, which was shouted approximately four times.

“This was then followed by ‘I’m going to burn you alive’.

“It then went silent for two minutes before the complainant heard her in the distance.

“He then smelt what he believed was a paraffin and called police but before they arrived she returned shouting again that she would burn him alive.

“He stayed away from the window so the defendant would not know he was in.

“When officers arrived they went to the defendant’s address although she would not open the door and shouted out of a window ‘you’re going to burn, you’re dead’.

“Officers forced entry and arrested her inside.”

Platt, of Chelsea Avenue, who has mental health problems, pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding, possessing a knife and making threats to kill.

In a victim impact statement, read out on behalf of Mr Bradley, he said: “Her actions have made me even more fearful of repercussions.

“It’s extremely worrying to think that she was going to set fire to the only escape out of my flat.”

Platt received a 24 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months and must complete a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement. She was also given a restraining order against both victims lasting five years.

Sentencing, Judge Nield said: “You are a very fortunate young woman.

“You have a very supportive family.

“You will have left yourself down and them down if you return to this court.”