A MAN has been handed a three-year restraining order and a community penalty after using threatening behaviour towards an ex-partner.

Christopher Holme, 29, appeared at Furness Magistrates' Court and pleaded guilty to using threatening, abusive words or behaviour in Barrow on November 3.

The court heard Holme had been outside his ex-partner's Barrow home at 5.30am shouting and banging loudly, saying he wanted his property and £400.

Prosecutor, Mr Peter Kelly said Holme had consumed a 70cl bottle of brandy and threatened to damage property.

Defending Holme, Mr Sean Harkin said the defendant had been drinking and accepts he had "gone about things in the wrong way". Mr Harkin said: "There were not threats of violence uttered, it was threats to damage property; idle threats."

Magistrates imposed a three-year restraining order so Holme can have no contact with Kimberly Naylor. Holme, of Egerton Court, Barrow, must also carry out 120 hours unpaid work, pays £85 costs and an £85 victim surcharge.

Holme told the magistrates: "I just want to apologise for wasting your time. I should not have gone there."