A MAN who shouted abuse at his step-mother before updating his Facebook status to say he wanted to kill lots of people must complete 80 hours unpaid work.

Mark Anthony Connelly, originally from Barnard Castle but now living in Middlesbrough, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court for sentencing after previously admitting harassment, using threatening words and sending an offensive message.

The court heard that Connelly’s problems started 18 months ago after the end of a relationship which also saw him lose access to his children.

Prosecutor Joanne Hesse said things came to a head at about 10.30pm on March 9 when he was shouting outside his step-mother’s home in Barnard Castle that he wanted to see his daughter who was staying there.

Ms Hesse said Connelly, 31, of Oxford Road, said his family had 30 minutes to come out or he was going to force his way in.

He then led police on a 10 minute foot chase before being found hiding in a bush, the court heard.

On March 25 Connelly updated his status on Facebook with a reference to Raoul Moat adding: “I’m going to kill a lot of people before I get caught,” the court heard.

Ms Hesse said his sister told him to remove the post, which could be seen by about 400 friends, but he replied: “Some people deserve to die.”

Jonathan Harley in mitigation said his client had thought the message had been a private one to his sister and did not intend to put it on his Facebook wall.

Mr Harley said Connelly was also upset that his daughter was staying with his step-mother, but apologised for his actions.

Magistrates also ordered Connelly to pay £85 costs and £60 victim surcharge and issued a restraining order banning him from contacting his step-mother.