A MAN has appeared in court after making a 'menacing' phone call in which he made threats to kill a three-week-old baby.

Paul Murray, 24, made a withheld phone call to a man on November 25 last year, Workington Magistrates’ Court was told.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said the victim knew it was Murray because he recognised his voice.

Murray had threatened to kill the man and a three-week-old baby.

The victim said he was 'unsure' if Murray would carry out these threats and referred the matter to police.

Murray was interviewed by police but denied making phone calls and threats.

But the defendant, of Coniston Drive, Workington, pleaded guilty to sending by public communication network a menacing message, when he appeared in court today.

John Cooper, defending, said Murray had just found out his best friend had started a relationship with his former partner.

He said the mother of the baby was the lady who had introduced his best friend to his girlfriend.

Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order, with 80 hours of unpaid work and 30 rehabilitation activity days.

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

A 12-month restraining order was granted which bans Murray from contacting the woman and her baby by any means, or from entering a named address in Workington.

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