A PENSIONER terrorised his next-door-neighbours after waging a campaign of repeated death threats and abuse, a court heard.

Alcoholic Joseph Davies, 67, shattered the quiet of Sagar Holme Terrace, Whitewell Bottom, when he started to make life hell for Helen and Stephen Fearon.

MORE TOP STORIES:

Davies had ended up in court after a two day torrent of insults and threats in September, when he had called Helen Fearon a “cow” and shouted: “I'm going to kill you, watch your back,” and “I'm going to burn you,” – at 4am.

Burnley Magistrates Court was told how Davies, who had also had loud music blaring from his house, had been convicted of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and had been handed a restraining order, banning him from contacting the Fearons on September 23.

Just over three weeks later, Davies was back in the dock again having made death threats through the wall after the Fearons had been concerned for his welfare and had called the police. The defendant admitting breaching the order on October 16.

Prosecutor Tracy Yates said the victim feared she would be physically harmed.

Davies had 10 offences on his record, mostly for being drunk and disorderly.

Rachel Cleary, for Davies, said the neighbour did initially say she was concerned about his mental health and called police to carry out a welfare check.

Davies was a registered alcoholic. The solicitor continued: “He acknowledges that he has a problem. To his credit, he is getting help with this.”

He had been threatened with eviction as a result of the previous incident, Mrs Cleary said District Judge James Clarke gave Davies a nine-month conditional discharge. He must pay a £15 victim surcharge. The judge told the defendant: “A man of your age should know better.”