A BINMAN threatened to kill a 19-year-old woman in a city street late at night.

Marcus Antoniou of Stephens Road, Brighton, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison at Hove Crown Court on Friday having pleaded guilty at a previous hearing.

At 11.50pm on September 4 the woman was walking home in Hodshrove Lane, Moulsecoomb.

She saw Antoniou, 43, on a motorbike parked at the bottom of the street.

He approached her, grabbed her, pushed her against a railing and told her not to scream or he would kill her.

He put his hand in her mouth but she screamed and was able to bite his finger and break free.

After this, Antoniou returned to his bike.

Police investigator Andy Scott from the Brighton Safeguarding Investigations Unit said: “This was a very frightening late-night experience for the young woman, who was thankfully unhurt but very shaken by what happened.

“Fortunately, a man nearby saw what happened and subsequently identified Antoniou as being responsible.

“Other people had also contacted us when the incident was publicised, and this had led us to Antoniou, who made no comment when questioned.

“He quite obviously intended harm to the young woman but her quick reactions clearly helped to deter him and we are glad to have ensured that he has now faced justice.”