Drugged-up father threatened to slit his family's throats

Adam Willetts' moment of madness came after he had lost his job and spiralled into depression and substance abuse.

His mother initially said in a statement that the look in his eye was 'pure evil' and she was 'petrified' he would kill her on September 29 this year.

He was also found in possession of cocaine and cannabis.

Wolverhampton Crown Court heard how the 31-year-old's wife found him overdosed on a drug, deciding that was the final straw for their relationship.

Prosecutor Kevin Jones said: "His wife and children left the matrimonial home after that incident, and that's when the problems began and his drug taking got out of hand.

"Then when he saw his mother, half-brother and half-sister he said that he would slit their throats. He doesn't recall saying it, and told police he just wanted to harm himself.

"He cut his own left wrist and needed to go to hospital for treatment.

"All of the witnesses made further statements in which they said that he didn't hold the knife close to them.

"The drugs were also found on him when he was arrested."

Willetts, from Cotswold Close, Rowley Regis, pleaded guilty to affray and possession of Class A and B drugs.

Defence barrister Richard Franck said: "There is a history in this case. Up until a year ago he had never really had any difficulties. He and his wife had been together for 10 years and everything was fine.

"His nan died a year ago and it had a massive impact on him. He hadn't had any dealings with drugs before then. But he slipped into a deep depression and felt like he wanted to kill himself.

"He wants to get back in control of his life and wants to be able to see a future for himself. And his wife wants him back."

Judge James Burbidge said: "I accept the family are banding together to try and help him, and that is very admirable. But he's still a danger surely?

"In her first statement his mother said he took hold of the knife in his right hand and held it in front of her with the blade facing.

"She said the look in his eye was pure evil and that she was petrified he was going to kill her with the knife. She said she was genuinely fearing for her life."

Mr Franck replied: "He was under the influence of drugs when this took place. His family have since made statements to say he didn't raise the knife towards them, he was just holding it at his side."

Judge Burbidge deferred sentence until November 24 for background reports.