A MAN who pulled out a knife in the aisles of Poundland after spotting his ex-partner inside has been spared jail.

Matthew Smith went to the discount retailer and took out the weapon after he saw the woman and her partner.

During the incident he told the man he would 'slash his face' while holding the blade.

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The 26-year-old of Roman Way, Bicester had originally denied one count of having a bladed article.

After deliberating for three hours and 22 minutes a jury at Oxford Crown Court found him found guilty at the end of his trial in March.

At the same court this afternoon Smith was spared jail for the knife-wielding outburst.

During the trial prosecutors said that the incident took place at Bicester's Poundland store on Sheep Street in the town centre.

Outlining events prosecutor Samuel Trefgarne said that that at about 11.30am on November 10 2018 Stacey White was inside the store together with her partner.

By coincidence Smith - who is the woman's ex-partner - was also there.

Soon after he called to the woman to speak with her and she refused.

It was not until the woman's new partner stepped up to Smith, prosecutors said, that the crime took place.

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Smith told the man he would 'slash his face' before placing his hand in his pockets and pulling out a knife, which was described to the jury as a 'small, red Stanley type knife.'

Smith then held the blade very briefly below his waist before leaving the store shortly after.

After the guilty verdict the case was adjourned so that reports could be prepared to explore all sentencing options.

At the sentencing hearing it was revealed that Smith has a record of previous crimes - with 13 convictions for 22 offences.

In mitigation Gordana Turudija-Austin said that there had been a 'degree of provocation.'

She added that since the incident her client had had found work as a forklift driver.

Sentencing, Judge Nigel Daly said of the incident: "You threatened to slash his face and pulled out a knife.

"You were persuaded to back off, you did so and left the store.

"Other shoppers saw you and were alarmed by what had gone on."

Smith was jailed for two years, suspended for two years.

As part of that sentence he must complete 30 days programme requirement.

He was also fined £100 for possession of cannabis and made subject to a 10-year restraining order.