A MAN who threatened to petrol bomb a youth supported living facility and “burn the f*****s out” said he was provoked after blaming a resident for damaging his fence.

Richard Anthony Barnes, 55, was seen gripping a golf club with both hands outside a ground floor window of a resident in the accommodation for young people with mental health issues and learning difficulties.

Shouting between Barnes and the 17-year-old man inside the property attracted the attention of two support workers in the Sanctuary Supported Living Ashfield Court site, off East Raby Street, Darlington, who Barnes also threatened.

Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard yesterday that the rented home the unemployed 55-year-old lives in has an enclosed yard that also includes one ground floor window of Ashfield Court.

Anna Barker, prosecuting, said: “The problems started because some of the young people in the accommodation would jump the fence in the yard and enter the property through the window, rather than walk around to the front door.

“As 1.15pm on May 22, there is CCTV from an office on the upper floor of Ashfield Court that shows the defendant coming out of his house and banging on the window.

“There appears to be a fairly heated discussion between Mr Barnes and the young man inside who comes up and stands on the window ledge.

“The defendant goes back in and out of his house and then appears carrying a golf club, which he’s holding with two hands in an aggressive manner, as if to strike.”

Two female members of staff heard Barnes shouting at the resident and reminded him he was threatening a 17-year-old.

Father-of-one Barnes, of Larchfield Street, Darlington, was heard to reply: “I couldn’t give a f*** - he broke my fence. F*** off, you ****, I’ll f***ing sort you out as well. I’m going to petrol bomb the full house and burn the f*****s out.”

The court heard the teenager had armed himself with a metal bar during the 20 minute-long incident, however neither men used the weapons.

A probation officer said: “Mr Barnes does very much regret his behaviour and he’s disgusted that he could react in the way that he did.”

Robert Willoughby, mitigating, added: “Damage has been caused to the fence by the young lads jumping over it and he’s called Mr Barnes a ****, which may have been what made him angry.”

Barnes pleaded guilty to using threatening and abusive words and behaviour with intent to cause fear or provoke violence.

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and must complete 80 hours of unpaid work, as well as pay £170 in costs.