A LEFTWICH man who denied threatening to burn a family home down has been sentenced at Northwich Magistrates' Court.

Jonathon Cofax, of Redesmere Close, appeared before magistrates on Monday to face three charges of destroying or damaging property under £5,000 and using threatening or abusive words or behaviour with intent to cause fear.

Keith Jones, prosecuting, said Gary Williamson was awoken at his Leftwich home at 1.30am on August 22 by loud banging outside.

He saw the 23-year-old defendant kicking his wife's Renault car 'once but with a lot of force'.

He went outside to investigate further and saw the man attack other vehicles on the road.

Mr Jones said: "He shouted to the man and asked him what he was doing.

"He was met with abuse before the defendant took his belt off from around his trousers and started waving it in his direction."

The defendant, who was said to be drunk and aggressive, followed the victim to his home, saying: "I am going to burn your house down. Call the police, I don't care."

He then lashed out at the Williamson's vehicle with his belt, causing the back window to smash and ran off.

But Chris Johnson, defending, said Cofax, who had hindered early investigations by not co-operating with the court, would now reluctantly face punishment.

He added: "He has always denied being the person responsible for this particular matter but he is going to be sentenced on the basis he is.

"He was so disillusioned with the fact he had been convicted he effectively stuck his head in the sand but he is now prepared to carry out community punishment and could pay compensation.

"I am not suggesting for one moment he would do so with a light heart.

"It would be a considerable chore."

Chairman of the bench Keith Oakes ordered Cofax to undertake 180 hours' community punishment in response to all the charges and pay £100 court costs.

He was also told to pay compensation of £1784.55 to the three victims whose cars were damaged.