A CANCER-stricken man got drunk and phoned the police saying he was going to blow his wife's head off.

Burnley Magistrates Court heard Martin Dempsey, 40, claimed he had a gun and made repeated threats.

Dempsey, of Berkeley Street, Nelson, admitted sending a menacing message. He was given a 12 months conditional discharge.

Elliott Taylforth, prosecuting, told the court the circumstances of the case were unusual. Police received repeated phone calls from the defendant threatening his wife. Dempsey claimed he was going to blow her head off and had a gun. The Crown accepted the calls were made in drink and had not accused him of more serious charges.

Duncan Nightingale, defending, said Dempsey had cancer but his illness was in remission. He was also suffering from depression. The defendant had been drinking and his behaviour was irrational. He had no intention of carrying out the threats.

Mr Nightingale said Dempsey was disabled for life because of the cancer and a back injury.