A MAN launched a campaign of intimidation against a disabled man who he claimed was spreading lies about his auntie, a court heard.

Burnley magistrates heard how Brian Emmott, 43, who looks after his ‘Auntie Shirley’ was said to have targeted Alan Bentley and repeatedly threatened him with violence and abused him, even though the victim said he barely knew Emmott and had no reason to spread rumours.

The defendant claimed he was having a feud with Mr Bentley and he had got to breaking point when he turned up outside the Big Window pub at 10am and caused trouble.

Emmott, of Pine Street, Burnley, admitted harassment and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, on July 17.

The defendant, who has no previous convictions, was bailed until July 29, for a pre-sentence report and could be facing a custodial sentence. He was banned from contacting Mr Bentley.