A MAN who made threatening phone calls after his son was accused of theft has appeared in court.

Joseph James Hope, 45, of Wordsworth Road, Darlington, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates' Court yesterday to harassment by making threatening calls.

The court heard how Hope's son, Christopher, was accused of an allegation of theft by his aunt Betty Hawkins.

David Maddison, prosecuting, said on a number of occasions between November 19 and January 3, Hope made threatening phone calls to Ms Hope.

On one occasion he told her: "If my son gets time, I'll smash your head in."

Mr Maddison, said Ms Hawkin's husband and 13-year-old son also answered and received the calls.

Graham Hunsley, in mitigation, said many of the calls were made while Hope was drunk and he had apologised for them,

Mr Hunsley said: "He never intended to go and actually physically harm someone.

"Clearly, it was intended to annoy her and that's pretty much what the charge represents."

The case was adjourned until March 16 for a pre-sentence report.