A FATHER of three pleaded for his life as he was snatched from his house and told he would be hanged over a quarry cliff, a court heard.

David Howard, 40, was said to have been threatened with rape and battery before a rope was allegedly put around his neck and he was dragged to the cliff edge.

Mr Howard, who owed cash to Ian Thompson, 28, was also threatened with death after Thompson, accomplice Mohammed Bawla and two others turned up in the van, a Crown Court was told.

Thompson, of Norfolk Street, Accrington, and Bawla, 28, of Cambridge Street, Blackburn, admitted kidnapping the Burnley man and both were jailed for 30 months.

Mark Rhind, prose-cuting, told Burnley Crown Court that Mr Howard met Thompson in 2002.

Mr Howard began to borrow money and got deeper and deeper in debt.

Mr Rhind said Mr Howard's partner was being hassled and the family moved from Accrington to Burnley.

Mr Rhind went on to say the victim was taken to a quarry near the Accrington by-pass.

Thompson demanded his money, Bawla said he would "do," the victim and his family if it was not sorted out and Mr Howard thought he was going to die, the court heard.

Mr Howard was then taken from the van and a rope allegedly put around his neck.

The allegation of the rope was denied but it was clear from photos Mr Howard had a linear mark around his neck and something had caused that mark, the court was told.

The prosecutor said Thompson, still asking where his money was, said he was going to hang Mr Howard over the cliff.

Bawla got hold of him by the scruff of the neck and he was dragged to the cliff edge.

The defendants were also swearing at him and Mr Howard thought he was going to thrown over the cliff edge.

Bawla then let go, the victim fell to the ground and was then kicked in the ribs before running off. He was threatened: "We will catch you again.

"You and your family are going to get it."

Mr Rhind said Mr Howard flagged down a passer-by and police were called.

He suffered a bloody nose, bruises, scratches and had trouble breathing as his ribs were sore.

The defendants were later arrested.