A MAN has been given a restraining order after making threats to kill his son's aunt.
Joseph James Hope, 45, of Wordsworth Road, Darlington, bombarded Betty Hawkins and her family with abusive and threatening phone calls after she reported his son to police for theft.
Darlington Magistrates' Court heard yesterday how he phoned her on one occasion saying: "If my son gets time, I'll smash your head in."
David Maddison, prosecuting, said the calls all came from Hope's mobile phone.
He had pleaded guilty to harassment at an earlier hearing.
Laura Saunders-Jerrom, mitigating, said her client had a long-standing alcohol problem and was in an extremely frail state of health.
Magistrates imposed a restraining order preventing him from contacting Ms Hawkins and her family. He was also fined £50 and ordered to pay £34 costs.
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