A JILTED man who "stalked" the woman he loved has been given six months to prove he can "let her live in peace."

Nicholas Speak, 21, threatened his ex-girlfriend Joanne Harrison and told her: "You're dead."

He banged on her door in the early hours and made a cutting motion across his throat with a finger, after she told him it was over - and started seeing one of his best friends, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Speak, who could have faced up to five years in jail for flouting a court order banning him from going near Miss Harrison, had sentence deferred until next May 9.

Judge Raymond Bennett said he was giving Speak a chance to show he could let Miss Harrison live in peace. He told the defendant if he had feelings for the complainant they could not be called proper if he made a nuisance of himself and she did not want to see him - as that was putting himself first.

Speak, of Fraser Street, Burnley, admitted breaching a restraining order and had been committed for sentence by magistrates. He must not have any contact with Miss Harrison or her family and must complete a community service order imposed earlier.

Kendal Lindley, prosecuting, said Speak had been bound over after going to Miss Harrison's house and trying to speak to her. He then started a campaign of harassment or stalking, making threats and moving his finger across his throat in a cutting motion.

Three days later he appeared in court, was fined £50 and made subject to the restraining order. He then turned up at Miss Harrison's home late at night, in breach of the order, knocked on her door. She called the police and he was arrested. He was later given 80 hours community service.

John Woodward, defending, said Speak had been very much in love with Miss Harrison and felt anger and frustration at the breakdown of the relationship.

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