A DRUNKEN man was so angry his girlfriend might have been having an affair that when he "heard" the "lover" upstairs he attempted to attack him with a fish knife.

Worcester magistrates heard how Kevin Whatmore was out drinking with friends, when a rumour was started that his girlfriend had been seeing a housemate.

The 25-year old from Langlands Avenue, Malvern, admitted the charge of affray and had been so shocked by his actions he walked into Worcester police station and gave himself up.

Kiernan Cunningham prosecuting told the court Whatmore had had a relationship with ex-girlfriend Michelle Clews, which could have been best described as "on-off".

He said during the police interview it became clear Whatmore was drunk and began shouting and banging the front door at 4am, on Monday, January 28, this year.

After she spoke to him from a bedroom window he said he was intending to go away for a week and she then let him in.

While the two chatted he said Whatmore went into the kitchen and pulled out a fish filleting knife from a knife block.

"He said he asked her if she was having a relationship, which she denied," said Mr Cunningham.

"At the time he heard the co-inhabitant leave the bedroom which caused him anger and upset.

"And he said, without thinking, he picked up the kitchen knife and tried to go upstairs."

Barry Newton, defending, told the court there was no question of his client forcing his way into the house. He had not assaulted anyone and simply wanted to talk to her about their relationship.

He said he had been so drunk he had been unable to get passed a petite Michelle Clews and up the stairs.

Mr Newton said she gave him a slap on the back of the head and he left the premises.

"During the interview he said, 'I scared myself when I picked up the knife," said Mr Newton. "It was because of this he decided to go to the police station."

After reading the pre-sentence report Mr Newton said his client had identified he had an alcohol problem and was determined to tackle it.

Magistrates said it was a nasty, unprovoked incident and sentenced him to 80 hours community punishment and a 12-month rehabilitation order. He was ordered to pay £125 and £50 costs.