A DAD-OF-THREE launched a threatening email campaign against his estranged wife, saying he would kill her boyfriend and that he would be a “cabbage”, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates were told how David Uttley, 53, left victim Zayma Uttley, who he had met in South Africa, anxious and concerned, after messaging her: “I know where you live. Watch for my car. Look over your shoulder.”

The Uttleys split up in 2010, the victim moved out of the area, and the pair were last in contact in 2011. He didn’t know whether she had a partner, or not.

The defendant, of Kelbrook Road, Barnoldswick, admitted harassment without violence, on or between March 29 and August 16, by sending distressing emails.

He was sentenced to a community order, with a six- week curfew, between 9pm and 5am, every day, and must pay £85 costs, £100 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.

The bench also imposed a 12-month restraining order, banning him from contacting the victim, and from going near her workplace, a nail salon.