A DAD from Barrow threatened to strangle his social worker after he became angry at the lack of progress she had made in helping him obtain visiting rights to see his child.

Simon John Kenton , of Tay Court, Barrow, pleaded guilty to using threatening words and behaviour after being reported to the police by the social worker.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday that Kenton became abusive towards the woman when she spoke to him through a glass panel at Craven House in Michaelson Road , Barrow, on October 19.

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The defendant was frustrated and angry in respect of visitation rights to see his child as he shouted to her "I know where you live. Your husband needs to watch his back."

He also said threatened to smash up her desk and strangle her in the outburst.

Alarmed by Kenton's threats, the social worker reported the incident to police but the defendant had left the premises by the time officers arrived.

The 43-year-old was later arrested on December 9 for the threats he had made and during his arrest, he produced a bag of cannabis - leading to police also charging him for possessing a Class B drug.

Kenton, who uses a wheelchair, insisted that the drug was for his own personal consumption and is often used for pain relief.

With regards to the threats that were made, the defendant told police that he wanted the social worker to feel remorseful as he was convinced that her actions had exacerbated his mental health problems.

Mr Sean Harkin, defending, argued that his client was going through a stressful period when he made the threats.

He also added that Kenton has mental health problems and suffers from depression and anxiety.

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Presiding magistrate, Mr Ian Skillen, said: "These were threats given to a lady doing her job but we do take into account your early guilty plea and the co-operation shown."

Magistrates handed Kenton a curfew meaning that he must stay at his home address in Tay Court between 7pm and 7am for four weeks.

The defendant was also made to pay court costs of £85 and a victim surcharge of the same amount.

The bench also made an order for the cannabis to be forfeited and destroyed.