A TENANT threatened to pour fuel through his landlord's letterbox after his tenancy came to an end, a court heard.

Christopher Habicher, 32, bombarded Tony Holliday with phone calls and threatening voicemails after his tenancy was stopped in October last year.

Workington Magistrates' Court heard Mr Holliday had 27 missed calls from a withheld number and five voicemails from Habicher on October 7.

One of the voicemails said: "Right, Tony let's make it clear. There are a few things I need to run by you. If not we will deal with it a different way."

Others said: "I need to speak to you or I will have to come to your house. You are not man enough to answer the phone. 

"It's alright. I guess we are doing things the hard way then."

Mr Holliday received further voicemails from Habicher, which said: "I'm seconds away from coming to your door and I will pour fuel through your letterbox. 

"I really don't understand why you are making this so difficult. 

"You are going to be seeing me every day soon. Say hello to your wife for me. She is a lovely girl."

On December 14 Mr Holliday contacted police to report the threatening voicemails and unwanted contact. 

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the offences had left Mr Holliday scared in his own home and fearful Habicher would be following him when he goes out.

A victim impact statement read out to the court said: "I don't feel safe in my own home. He has threatened to burn my family home down.

"It's made the whole family be on edge."

Habicher was interviewed about the matter and said he rang the victim several times. He said he was 'highly frustrated' after not receiving the deposit back for the property.

He said he had no intention of following through with the threats.

A report read out from Habicher's probation officer said he had not intended any malicious behaviour and that his remorse and regret 'does appear to be genuine'.

Habicher, who was unrepresented, told the court he had used money for a new property that he had intended to use to buy Christmas presents. 

He said: "I couldn't afford to buy anything for my children for Christmas. That made me act out of character. 

"I'm being punished for having money stolen from me. It's rightly owed to me."

Habicher, of Flimby Brow, Flimby, admitted two charges of sending a threatening message and one charge of harassment without violence.

He was given a 12-month community order and must complete 100 hours of unpaid work. 

A restraining order was granted for Mr Holliday which prevents Habicher from contacting him by any means or going to a named street. 

Habicher must also pay £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.