A MAN sent threatening messages to another man who had previously been convicted of an offence involving his wife.

Blackburn magistrates heard at the same David Eastwood also sent his wife a message saying he was going to burn the other man's house down.

Eastwood, 47, of Haslingden Road, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to sending a malicious communication and making a threat to damage property. He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with 15 days rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £30 and ordered to pay £85 costs and £85 victim surcharge.

Tracy Yates, prosecuting, said Eastwood had claimed to be outside the other man's house and said when the lights went out he was going to pour petrol through the letterbox and set it on fire.

When he was interviewed he said he was drunk and just trying to wind people up. He accepted he had never been outside the house.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said the other man lived in Preston and his client hadn't left his own home.

"He had no intention of carrying out the threats and didn't expect his estranged wife to pass on the threats to the other man," said Mr Taylor. "He was trying to et a reaction but now accepts that he has to move on."