A grieving woman whose partner died from an overdose threatened to stab an associate who offered her illicit drugs, a court heard.

Carlisle’s Rickergate magistrates’ court heard that Lisa Marie Nugent, 26, lost her temper during a visit to the city’s Lowther Street Probation Service HQ on April 25, where she flipped after being asked to take drugs.

In court, Nugent, of Deepdale Drive, Morton, Carlisle, admitted using threatening behaviour towards her victim.

John Moran, prosecuting, said that the tirade included the words: "I'm going to kill you. You're dead. I've got people watching you and you'll be dead."

Nugent then told the woman she would stab her and slash her, said Mr Moran. The defendant later admitted she had issues with the woman.

She did not admit making all the threats.

The victim was left upset but she said she did not fear that the threats would be carried out by the defendant.

Mr Moran said it was concerning that in March Nugent was convicted for carrying a bladed article, and jailed for six months.

"But no weapon was brandished," added the prosecutor.

Rachel Dixon, for Nugent, said: "In the week that this occurred, the defendant had experienced a number of traumatic incidents. Her partner died due to a drugs overdose.

"And the defendant herself was admitted to hospital due to a similar overdose. She had also been violent attacked and wanted to end her life."

Since this happened, Nugent had been diagnosed with post traumatic stress.

The victim had come to see the defendant to see if she was okay and they both went to the Probation office together.

Nugent's explanation for the outburst was that the other woman had asked her to take take drugs, which angered her.

"She's very much trying to keep away from that now," said Miss Dixon.

"That is what resulted in these words being used."

A second diagnosis of bipolar, said the lawyer, had made Nugent wonder if this had prompted her volatile behaviour.

Miss Dixon added: "She wanted to get away from people who have induced her to take drugs."

Magistrates imposed a community order, which includes a four week 7pm to 7am curfew, which will be electronically tagged.

The woman who was attacked by Nugent denied suggesting that the defendant should take drugs before she was attacked.