A WOMAN with a kitchen knife threatened a neighbour, a court heard.

Alison Ball, aged 38, confronted the man on his doorstep and told him: "I will put you in Derriford Hospital."

Plymouth magistrates, after hearing Ball had mental health difficulties, adjourned sentence for a probation officer to prepare a report on her background. Ball, of Leypark Walk, Estover, admitted possession of a knife near her former home in Harvey Avenue, Prince Rock, on January 22. She also admitted threatening behaviour towards neighbour Robert Freeman during the same incident. Gareth Warden, for the Crown Prosecution Service, said that Mr Freeman was stood in the doorway of his flat when he was approached by Ball at about 6.30pm. He said she seemed to be hiding something behind her back.

Mr Warden said Ball made a comment that she was going to see her husband and then changed her mind and said she was going to see her uncle.

He added: "She told Mr Freeman: 'Let me pass or you will need a paramedic'."

Mr Warden said she brought a knife with a large blade from behind her back and held it at shoulder height.

He added: "She then said: 'I have got police in my flat, I am going to put you in Derriford Hospital."

Mr Warden said Mr Freeman closed the door and called the police.

John Haythorne, for Ball, said she was now bailed to stay at a home for people "with difficulties". He added a support worker had attended court to escort Ball back to the home.

Magistrates adjourned sentence until March 2.

Ball was released on conditional bail. She must stay at the home and observe a curfew between 7pm and 7am each night.

Ball is banned from going within 100 yards of Harvey Avenue.