TWO men who torched a £7,000 car after the owner's son was threatened by a gang of men have both been jailed for 16 months.

Daniel Hamer, 26 and Arran Malpass, 24, were part of the 15-strong gang which appeared outside the man's Blackburn home before his window was broken and petrol poured over his mother’s car, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Hamer, of Hertford Street, Blackburn, and Malpass, of Green Lane, Mill Hill, both admitted arson.

Hamer also pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

Stephen Parker, prosecuting, said the victim knew both defendants, having met them when he had a house party.

At the time his vehicle was damaged and afterwards he received a text message.

When he rang the number he was threatened and accused of causing damage to someone else’s property himself.

The court heard that on Sunday, July 27, the man, who feared retribution for the alleged damage, was at home with friends.

He kept checking out of the window and at about 1.40am a dog started barking.

He went to his window and saw a group of about 15 men outside, drinking and shouting towards his property.

Mr Parker said the gang included the defendants and Hamer was seen picking up a large flag from a wall which he then used to smash the victim’s window.

The group then ran off and police were called.

While the man was waiting for police, the court was told he heard a lot ot noise outside and went to the back of his house where his mother's car was parked and saw Hamer and Malpass next to the vehicle.

The prosecuter said Hamer then poured petrol over the car and it was set alight.

Mr Parker said it was believed that Malpass started the blaze.

After setting fire to the car Hamer and Malpass made made off.

The £7,000 vehicle was written off in the blaze. Mr Parker said firefighters found a beer can filled with petrol, which they believed was the accelerant used on the vehicle.

During the police interview Malpass remained silent, but Hamer denied invol-vement in the offences and said he had not been present and had not attacked the vehicle. Both later admitted the incident.

The court heard that Hamer had been recalled on licence from a past sentence.

He had convictions for drugs, breaching orders and conspiracy to supply cocaine.

His co-defendant had a record for damage and assault and had served 20 months for robbery.