A man has been fined £250 after threatening to burn down his ex-partner’s house.

Daniel Sydney Andrews, of Cushag Road, in Anagh Coar, admitted an offence of sending menacing messages by telecommunications.

Prosecutor James Robinson told the court how, on January 29 at 5pm, police attended an address at Albany Road in Douglas.

They had been called there by Andrews, who is 28, as he said he was going to retrieve some of his possessions from his ex-partner’s home there.

However, he was told by the woman two chainsaws and a mountain bike that belonged to him were no longer at the property. He left but later called her saying: ’I’m going to burn your house down.’

The woman said she took the call on speaker phone and her daughter had heard Andrews’ threat. He then called again later this time saying: ’Good job I didn’t get any more security. I’m gunning for you. It’s gonna be tonight.’

The woman said this was a reference to security they had considered getting when Andrews lived at the house.

When interviewed by police Andrews admitted making the calls.

He said he had been told his property had been stolen and he became angry and upset.

He admitted making the threat to burn the woman’s house down but said he had no intent to carry the threat out.

Advocate Ian Kermode said: ’You have heard it was Mr Andrews himself who requested the attendance of the police.

’He had been involved in an on/off relationship with the woman. He would describe it as volatile and toxic.

’Yes he did make the phone calls but he would say they were empty threats uttered in the heat of the moment.’

Mr Kermode went on to ask for credit to be given for his client’s guilty plea and co-operation with the police.

’He regrets his phone calls in the cold light of day,’ said Mr Kermode.

Andrews must also pay £50 prosecution costs.