TWO drunken thugs took a neighbour prisoner and pointed a gun and a crossbow at his neck - after he complained about their loud music.

Victim Gary Sutherland, 39, was so petrified by his ordeal at the hands of Michael Barton 20, and neighbour Brian Jackson, 28, that he thought he was going to die, Burnley Crown Court heard.

The Nelson pair have now been jailed for their part in the crime.

Today police chiefs involved in the investigation of what they branded a "nasty crime" welcomed the punishment.

Mr Sutherland was targeted after complaining about noise from Jackson's flat to their landlord.

He had pleaded with his captors to be freed and was also threatened with Samurai swords before fleeing to safety and alerting the police.

Barton, a former boxer, of Rook Street, Nelson, was jailed for three and a half years.

Jackson, of Lambert Street, Trawden, an alcoholic who lost an eye in an accident in 2004, received 27 months.

Both defendants, who have records for violence, admitted false imprisonment following the incident on January 26.

Barton also pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Mark Lamberty, prosecuting, said Mr Sutherland heard banging at 11.15pm and realised his door was being kicked.

As he went to investigate Barton abused him and then both defendants aggressively accused him of "grassing them up", the court heard. Mr Lamberty said Barton grabbed the victim's legs and Jackson said: "Get him into the house."

The court was told that Mr Sutherland was then dragged up the stairs and pushed into Jackson's flat.

Mr Lamberty said Mr Sutherland was ordered to sit down and Barton asked him: "Do you know who you are messing with?"

Barton then pointed a crossbow and held a handgun with a muzzle to the victim's neck, saying: "Let's give it him", the court was told.

But Jackson was said to have intervened at that point, mandhandling his accomplice away and told him to put the weapon away.

The prosecutor said Mr Sutherland, perhaps through nervousness, made a noise and Barton, thinking he was laughing, asked: "You find it funny?" before banging his head against a wall.

Jackson asked Mr Sutherland if he was okay and Barton then pulled out a Japanese ornamental sword, the court heard. Jackson told him to put it away and ordered the victim to leave.

Barton then pulled out a second sword, before Mr Sutherland fled downstairs and telephoned his father and police.

Mr Lamberty said Mr Sutherland feared for his life during his ordeal. After, he suffered nightmares and flashbacks and had to take medication to sleep.

Tim Mathieson, for Barton, said his client had been young, drunk and stupid.

Tim Storrie, defending Jackson, said had ruined his chances of a stable life by his behaviour. Mr Storrie continued: "He played a very key role. He caused Gary Sutherland to be terrified. It was a despicable act and he knows his liberty is in jeopardy."

Speaking after the case, Detective Constable Craig Smedley said: "It's good to see that they have been given a custodial sentence.

"It was a nasty crime that came about after Mr Sutherland complained to their landlord about loud music coming from Jackson's flat.

"The crime was committed by both men who have known to be violent in the past.

"It's been really traumatic for the victim. I have spoken to him about the sentence and he is happy with it.

"He just wants to be able to get on with his life."