(Image: Anna Gowthorpe/PA)
A MAN has been sentenced after making repeated threats to burn down his neighbours' homes over parking disputes.
Gordon Martin, 54 of Albion Street, Clifford, was sentenced to eight months behind bars, suspended for 12 months, at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Monday (August 17) after incidents which happened in January in Clifford, near Wetherby.
Martin admitted two counts of threats to commit criminal damage and one count of malicious communications.
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He must also complete 100 hours of unpaid work and a 12-month restraining order was issued - banning him from entering Clifford High Street or contacting any of his victims.
The abuse began on January 12 when a police officer contacted Martin about his car, which was parked and causing an obstruction on Clifford High Street.
Martin did not take this well and responded in aggressive way, verbally abusing the officer and threatening to 'burn down the home' of whoever had reported the parking issue.
After the call ended, he left several abusive voicemails on the officer’s phone, repeating the threats to burn down the person's house.
The officer recorded these calls and, as the vehicle was not moved, he also issued a ticket for obstruction.
The next day, the resident who lived at the property where Martin’s car was parked found a note through their door reading “Big Mistake,” along with a match and a crumpled fixed penalty notice.
Three days later, on January 15, Martin parked on private land and was asked to move his vehicle by an elderly neighbour.
He responded approaching the man, walking him back into his house, and telling him he would "burn his house down as well."
All incidents were recorded by police, and Martin was arrested and released on conditional bail where he was barred from approaching the victims while the investigation continued.
Forensic evidence and voice comparison analysis linked Martin to the note and the match.
Sergeant Samuel Standen of Wetherby Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "Everyone has to abide by the law, regardless of who they are, and threats of violence are totally unacceptable.
"Parking will always be a problem in smaller outlying communities and people have to be understanding and try to compromise.
"I want to thank the witnesses who came forward and had the courage to stand up to this bullying."