MARK LITTLE

A man who issued a death threat by stating he would 'chop up' his ex-partner with an axe has been sentenced to six years in prison.

During proceedings at Carlisle Crown Court, it was revealed that Mark Little assaulted Amanda O'Brien multiple times.

One such attack involved head-butting her and dragging her along the floor.

On another occasion, Little, aged 51 and from Workington, punched Ms O'Brien in the face, then seized an axe and declared, 'I will kill you and chop you up.' Little admitted to making a threat to kill and causing actual bodily harm.

Witnesses testified that the assaults began at a mutual friend’s residence on March 6, during which Ms O'Brien appeared bloodied, bruised, and hysterical.

A week later, at the same location, Little pushed her onto the floor and dragged her by the hair between rooms.

He also grabbed a large black axe—described by prosecutor Tim Evans as a heavy, sharp, and frightening weapon.

Although he released the axe, Little continued to threaten Ms O'Brien, telling her, 'shut your mouth, I will kill you and chop you up,' before head-butting and punching her.

The court was told the victim was so traumatised that she moved away from Cumbria, telling police she 'honestly believed he could kill me.' Little, who lives on Milburn Street and has a criminal record spanning over 35 years, pleaded guilty to charges of assault, bodily harm, making a threat to kill, and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

In his sentencing, Recorder Kevin Grice described Little as a 'controlling, manipulative, and devious man' who, under the influence of alcohol and drugs, has a history of threatening and inflicting violence, especially against women.

Additionally, Little was prohibited from contacting the victim for seven years.