A MAN, who made drunken threats at the home of his ex-partner and then threatened to burn down the home of a neighbour, was told he should expect to receive a prison sentence.

The warning was given to Scott Anderson who is facing sentence for his intoxicated actions, committed in Stanley, County Durham, on Tuesday July 12, last year.

Police were called by his ex-partner when he turned up at her home in a drunken state.

When she did so he threatened to return and kill her, but he then got into a row with neighbours, which saw him climb over a fence and threaten to burn down the victim’s home.

He climbed back over the fence and brandished a petrol can, while making threats to kill the neighbour.

The 33-year-old defendant, of Orwell Gardens, Stanley, admitted two counts each of making threats to kill and threatening to damage/destroy property, plus single counts of sending a communication containing a threatening message and possession of a class B drug, at a previous court appearance.

He appeared at Durham Crown Court for sentence, where his counsel, Jennifer Coxon, asked for the preparation of a background report on her client by the Probation Service.

Ms Coxon said the defendant has had assistance with mental health difficulties, while he has also worked with drug and alcohol services to overcome his substance and drink issues.

Read more: Durham Crown Court: ‘Thug' bullied and controlled former partner

Recorder Jamie Hill QC said he would allow an adjournment for a probation report, but he had to state that, “for such serious matters”, anyone facing sentence for offences of this nature, “should expect a custodial sentence as the most likely outcome.”

He bailed Anderson to return for sentence on March 9 and told him: “The fact I’m calling for a report and allowing bail should not be seen as an indication as to what the final outcome will be.”

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