A SPURNED man threatened to slit his "wife's" throat, but told police he still loved and wanted to be with her.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Jeanette Scott had not been happy with Eric Palmer, 42, and left him after discovering that they may not have been man and wife - because Palmer may have been married when they went through a ceremony.

Over two days the defendant would not give up, punched her, told her: "It's not over yet, I will find you," and threatened Ms Scott.

Palmer was spared custody, even though a judge said when he first read the papers of the case, he thought he would be compelled to send Palmer to prison.

Judge David Pirie, who told Palmer his conduct no doubt was extremely frightening for the victim, put him on probation for two years and placed him under a restraining order for the same period.

Palmer, of Godley Street, Burnley, must also pay £400 costs and attend the domestic violence prevention programme. He admitted harassment.

Arthur Stuttard, prosecuting, said Ms Scott was Palmer's former partner.

They went through a ceremony of marriage, but it appeared Palmer may have been married at the time.

Ms Scott thought they were man and wife, but subsequently found out they may not be legally married.

The relationship was not happy and so she left Palmer in January.

Two days later, Ms Scott was at a friend's when a loud knock was heard at the door.

It was Palmer, and Ms Scott ran out of the back door and into her car, but it would not start as it had been interfered with. She saw Palmer run towards her and pick up a brick and motion to throw it at the windscreen.

Ms Scott was frightened and started to blow her car horn.

Palmer put his face to the window and said "It's not over yet. I will find you."

He ran off, but was warned about his behaviour by police. He then continued to ring Ms Scott throughout the day.

The next day Ms Scott and her friend were walking towards the car when Palmer appeared and punched his former partner. She ended up in the vehicle and Palmer threatened to slit her throat.

Palmer then took her on a journey and made threats but Ms Scott managed to appease him by saying she wanted to be with him.

She did not, but she managed to contact a friend who alerted police.

Palmer told officers he was still in love with Ms Scott and denied threatening or assaulting her.

Mark Stuart, defending, said Palmer accepted he should have dealt with matters differently.

He may have had problems coming to terms with the end of the relationship.

The defendant had been upset by the break-up and something he had been told.

He wanted answers, to know what the position was. There had been no further problems.

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