Declan Banks grabbed partner by neck and threatened to cut her throat A man grabbed his partner by the neck before threatening to cut her throat. Declan Banks, 29, attacked Bernadette McNamee at her home in Danderhall, Midlothian on January 13. On Tuesday, Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard he brandished a knife at her during the attack and tried to drag her around the house while holding her by the neck. Depute fiscal Karon Rollo told the court a passer by heard Ms McNamee screaming and called the police. Banks, from Dunfermline, Fife pleaded guilty to charges of assault and breach of the peace. Sheriff Frank Crowe deferred sentencing until next month for reports.