Love rival in court for arson threat

Matthew Butcher called at the man’s home on 20th June in Adelaide Close, Gainsborough, armed with a petrol can.

Andrew Scott, prosecuting, said Butcher banged on the door but did not get an answer. A neighbour then watched as he returned to his van and fetched a petrol can before pouring the contents onto the doorstep.

He said Butcher, who had armed himself with a decorating pole, shouted that he would ‘get’ the man when he next saw him. He later admitted he threatened to burn the house down.

Mr Scott said: “The impression left by the defendant was that his intention was to return to the house and set fire to it. He described himself as being angry and upset.”

Butcher told police that the petrol can contained only water.

Mr Scott said that earlier Butcher had been involved in a similar incident at the home of another man in Newton Close, Gainsborough. Butcher, at the time, believed both men had a relationship with his former girlfriend.

Appearing before Lincoln Crown Court this week, Butcher, 26, of Chapel Lane, Glentworth, admitted offences of threatening to cause criminal damage and possession of an offensive weapon as a result of the Adelaide Close incident. He was given a nine month jail sentence suspended for 12 months with 12 months supervision.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, defending, said Butcher was trying to create the impression he was using petrol to frighten the men but the can contained water.

He said Butcher has already suffered punishment as he spent three months in custody awaiting his court appearance.