A MAN left his girlfriend a nasty surprise because he believed she was sleeping with another man, a court heard yesterday.

John Barker covered Julie Jackson's home in paint then left human excrement in an ornamental vase, Darlington magistrates were told.

Barker, 39, a welder, of Atherstone Way, Darlington, believed Miss Jackson was having an affair with her daughter's boyfriend, Mark Laidlaw.

He made threats to Miss Jackson, her daughter and other members of the family.

Barker admitted using or threatening unlawful violence and was given a 12 months conditional discharge and ordered to pay £115 costs.

The court heard that on August 11 Barker called Miss Jackson and said that he planned to visit her daughter's home in nearby Newton Aycliffe to attack her boyfriend and damage the house.

Toby Thomas, prosecuting, said: "Miss Jackson was called by her daughter, who informed her that the defendant was outside the house and trying to get in.

"He was shouting to the daughter's boyfriend, 'I am going to kill you, bring whatever weapon you have'. He said that they had ruined his life.

"He was kicking and punching the living room window. A neighbour saw what was happening and called the police."

Barker was in possession of a 2in kitchen knife while he was making the threats, Mr Thomas said.

Police later visited Miss Jackson's home and found paint on the carpets and television and traces of human excrement.

Graham Jamieson, defending, said Barker had started a relationship with his former girlfriend in January.

He said: "From day one it has been a tempestuous relationship. Mr Barker tried to end the relationship on numerous occasions. That was met with threats of suicide and self-harm. He fully admitted to police what he had done."

Mr Jamieson said Barker's threats were not intended, but were a turn of phrase. He was extremely remorseful and had apologised profusely.

The court heard Miss Jackson sent 17 text messages and a greetings card and left five phone messages asking Barker to marry her and threatening suicide if he did not.

Barker's solicitor said his client never wanted to see Miss Jackson again and an injunction would be sought if she continued to contact him.