Armed South Shields bank worker chased man with knife through the streets, leaving victim fearing for his life

Abdul Rahim's temper "erupted" during a row at his former partner's home in South Tyneside, where he picked up the weapon during a confrontation on December 31 2019.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the 28-year-old, who was then employed by a bank, chased his ex's male friend out of the house and a "considerable distance" outside.

A judge said the victim "feared for his life, feared he would be stabbed" during the chase.

Rahim's ex partner said in a statement: "Whenever I see a car similar to Abdul's in the local area I panic in case this is him returning."

The woman said she was left feeling anxious and scared by his behaviour.

Rahim, of Iolanthe Terrace, South Shields, denied a charge of threatening another with a knife but was found guilty after a trial.

Judge Tim Gittins told him: "You were arrogant enough to think that your wishes were the commands of others and you were seeking to control your former partner and when she didn't give in to you you resorted to violence, threatening violence in a serious way.

"That was ultimately weak and cowardly."

The judge added: "You need to learn fast and learn well that you cannot resort to seeking to control people by the loss of you temper or by the use or threat of violence."

Rahim was sentenced to 18 months behind bars, suspended for two years, with 150 hours unpaid work and a nine month night time curfew.

Judge Gittins said the curfew requirement was "significant, given we are about to come out of lockdown".

The judge issued a restraining order to keep Rahim away from his ex for seven years.

Nicholas Lane, defending, said Rahim "maintains his innocence" but is nevertheless ashamed of the way he behaved at the house.

Mr Lane said: "He was clearly struggling to come to terms with the breakdown of a long relationship."

Mr Lane said Rahim, who worked for a bank at the time, has left that employment and his new job involves carrying out covid surveys in relation to the pandemic.

Rahim handed in references to his ordinarily positive character and Mr Lane added: "He has learned his lesson now."

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