A SOCIAL worker and his family were threatened over the phone by a 22-year-old mother who blamed him for her children being taken into care.

Lisa Fitzmaurice issued Craig Docherty with the menacing warning: "If I can't have my children, you can't have yours."

Blackburn magistrates heard that even after Fitzmaurice had been arrested and charged with harassment, she continued her hate campaign against Mr Docherty.

The court was told that Fitzmaurice had somehow found out where Mr Docherty lived and had been to his house, issuing threats to his father-in-law.

Fitzmaurice, of Poole Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to two charges of harassment but, having heard details of the offences, the magistrates ruled that their powers were insufficient and she was remanded in custody for sentence at Preston Crown Court.

As she was being handcuffed and led away, Fitzmaurice broke down in tears and shouted at Mr Docherty, who has attended court on the last three occasions: "Why are you doing this to me? Why are you lying? I never threatened his kids."

Emma Kehoe, prosecuting, said that after the first complaint of harassment Fitzmaurice had been granted bail pending the preparation of pre-sentence reports. "Since then the case has taken a giant step forward," said Mrs Kehoe.

"She continued to phone Mr Doherty, but this time the majority of the calls were to his home rather than work. He is a family man with a wife and children and through his employment is a public servant.

"She managed to find out where he lives and on at least three occasions was seen at the address by other people as well as Mr Docherty," added Mrs Kehoe.

Elliot Taylforth, defending, said the pre-sentence report in relation to the first charge recommended the preparation of a psychiatric report. He said Fitzmaurice's children had been taken into care, not because they were being mistreated but because of concern over her chaotic lifestyle.

"Since then there have been many court hearings where she has been trying to get her children back," said Mr Taylforth. "The longer that has gone on, the more desperate she has become.

"Unfortunately, Mr Docherty has become the face of an otherwise faceless organisation. All the defendant wanted was the chance to say her piece and be heard."