A DRUNK threatened and abused his then partner's mother and brother in series of terror phone calls, a court was told.

Ian Smith, 42, rang Collette Rowan, "screaming like a banshee," and saying he would kill her, her husband and her son.

He called Mrs Rowan, mother of his girlfriend Orlaith, an Irish prostitute, a witch and spawn of the devil, Burnley Magistrates heard.

The defendant, who had been having family troubles, then turned his attentions to her son Eamon, goading him about the loss of his brother and saying he was going to die too. Both the Rowans feared Smith would be true to his word.

Smith, of Brownhill Avenue, Burnley, admitted two counts of sending a grossly offensive, menacing message by electronic network on June 30.

He was given a 12-month community order with supervision, to look at his alcohol misuse and awareness and at his behaviour towards victims and potential partners in the future. He must also pay £100 compensation and £50 costs.

Bill Maude, prosecuting, said the defendant called Mrs Rowan about five times, telling her if she had a heart he would cut it out, branding her scum and saying he would stab her if she hung up.

The defendant had 24 previous convictions. David Lawson, defending, said Smith made the phone calls in drink.