A man who harassed his neighbour over an eight-month period made threats towards her and her family.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard the victim believed Leigh Fullard targeted her because her husband worked for the police.

Fullard, 38, of Garnett Street, Barrowford, pleaded guilty to harassment of the woman between October 4, 2023, and June 5 of this year.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with a 10-day rehabilitation activity requirement, fined £100 and ordered to pay £300 in compensation.

He was also made subject to a restraining order which prohibits any contact with the aggrieved for two years.

Usmah Kausar, prosecuting, said there had been various incidents involving Fullard and his neighbour over a long period of time.

On one occasion she was at the window when he walked past and shouted he would smash her face in.

He went to her front door and said he would kick the door in and he also parked outside her house deliberately blocking her gates.

“Ring doorbell footage caught him saying he would assault her partner,” said Miss Kausar.

“On another occasion, he fired a gel blaster at her property and she believed it was aimed at the security camera.”

The victim said she was scared to leave her house and even felt unsafe inside her own home because of Fullard's conduct.

Jessica Strike, mitigating, said it had been a neighbourly dispute and her client accepted he had made some foolish and hurtful comments.

“He was bailed in June and there is no suggestion there have been any incidents since then,” said Miss Strike.

“He says it has nothing to do with the fact her partner works for the police and he has no intention of causing any further distress to her.”