A SPURNED dad of four daubed 'upsetting' graffiti opposite his estranged wife's home so it would be the first thing she saw when she opened her curtains, Burnley Magistrates’ Court heard.

Alcoholic Lee Scott McGowan, 33, who used the shutters of a derelict shop to make his point, was said by the prosecution to have referred to Kelly McGowan's moral character when he struck on July 10.

The defendant, of Plumbe Street, Burnley, admitted displaying any writing, sign or visible representation with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

McGowan, who was in breach of a conditional discharge, was fined £55 and given an 18 month conditional discharge. He must pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

But his solicitor said it had not necessarily been directed at his estranged wife. It had been a short poem, relating to the person McGowan believed was his wife's new partner.

Richard Taylor continued: "It doesn't appear there was any foul language. He thought it had a bit of wit about it, as well."