A MAN taking his granddaughter to nursery was subject to abuse and threats by a 23-year-old man enraged by what he saw as inconsiderate parking.

Blackburn magistrates heard Grant Michael Turner made reference to the fact the granddad used a walking stick and then threatened to go to get a blade and cut his throat.

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The court heard the incident happened at 8.55am and was witnessed by mums and carers taking their young children to Lee Royd Nursery, in Lenonius Street, Accrington.

Turner, of Water Street, Accrington, pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour towards Russ Davies.

He was sentenced to 10 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Davies.

Charlotte Crane, prosecuting, said Mr Davies was walking into the nursery with his four-year-old granddaughter when he heard shouting and swearing. Turner was standing in the middle of the road in an aggressive manner.

“It appears the defendant had some issue about parking,” said Miss Crane. “He was blaming parents for making him park on yellow lines and on this day he took his frustration out on Mr Davies.

“His granddaughter was extremely upset and he had to go to pick her up early.”

Richard Prew, defending, said his client fully accepted that his behaviour was totally inappropriate for the time of day and the location.

“He had lived in the vicinity of the nursery for some two years and there had been numerous problems with people parking inconsiderately while they dropped their children off,” said Mr Prew.

On the day of the incident Turner had arrived home and had to park on double yellow lines because the space outside his home was taken.

“A lady who lived across the road came out and asked why he was parking there,” said Mr Prew. “That led to a slanging match and the gentleman concerned joined in.

“Parking is a very emotive issue and people get incredibly wound up about people parking in what they see as their spot.”

Passing sentence the chairman of the magistrates said the incident had been witnessed by very young children and their carers.

“We can appreciate your frustration over parking but this was not the way to deal with it,” she said.