Arson threat by former partner

A MAN smashed a window in his former partner's car after using his BMW to box her in at a lay-by.

Christopher Elsden threatened to burn down Elizabeth Greenhalgh's home, and was abusive and threatening during the incident, Ely magistrates were told on Thursday.

Elsden cut his hand when he smashed the window, scattering glass over Miss Greenhalgh, and she called the police.

The incident came just three weeks after Elsden damaged a wall at his former partner's home, said prosecutor Matthew Bradbury.

The couple's relationship ended in March, and on April 2 Elsden went to the property in Granary End, Witchford, where he had previously lived with Ms Greenhalgh.

He was upset because she was decorating the house and he was angry and abusive. When he was asked to leave, he slammed the door and the door handle hit an internal wall and made a hole.

On April 23, Elsden had telephoned his former partner, he was abusive and threatened to burn her house. "We don't suggest it was a serious threat, but Ms Greenhalgh was alarmed," said Mr Bradbury.

Ms Greenhalgh had stopped in a lay-by to call the police when Elsden arrived. He parked at an angle to stop her driving away and shouted at her.

Elsden punched her driver's door window, cutting his hand. He flicked his hand, splattering his blood.

He told police he had "lost it" and the threat to burn the house was "a heat of the moment comment".

"He is very remorseful and apologetic," said solicitor John Aspinall.

"He said words and did things that were totally out of character."

Elsden, 33, of Beresford Road, Ely, admitted two charges of criminal damage. He was ordered to pay Ms Greenhalgh £100 compensation for the distress and anxiety he caused, and another £100 for the damage. He was given a one-year conditional discharge and must pay £50 costs.