A man assaulted and shouted homophobic threats and abuse at his neighbour and his partner.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard Matthew Wilson also shouted abuse at another neighbour who tried to calm the situation.

Wilson, 31, of Parrock Street, Crawshawbooth, pleaded guilty to assault and three charges of using threatening behaviour.

He was made subject to an 18-month community order with a six months alcohol treatment requirement and a 12-week curfew.

He was made subject to a restraining order for two years.

Zoe Bagnall, prosecuting, said the first victim arrived home in his car and as he got out he was approached by Wilson on May 22.

He got hold of the other man’s T-shirt and started waving his mobile phone in his direction, using it as a weapon.

He used homophobic language towards the first victim and his partner who came out of their house and intervened.

Another neighbour was also abused and threatened.

David Lawson, mitigating, said it was clear from his client’s record that all his offending was alcohol-related.

“A number of issues in his life led to him drinking again and he was clearly intoxicated on this day,” said Mr Lawson.

“It is quite clear it was a telephone in his hand and not a weapon.”

Mr Lawson said his client wanted to apologise to his neighbours.