A dad who was sacked from his job at a factory rang his old boss and threatened to burn it down, a court heard.

Andrew Bradley, 40, was a warehouse operative at Fragrance Direct on Byrons Lane until he was sacked in January after an incident at a Christmas party, a court was told.

After receiving a letter saying his benefits were being stopped, Bradley was so incensed, that he rang his former manager and threatened the firm.

Debbie Byrne, prosecuting, said Bradley said during the call ‘If I lose my house I will burn it down then none of you will have a job’.

The manager was concerned about the threat and contacted police who arrested and charged Bradley with misusing the phone network.

He told officers in interview that he was just angry and had no intention of carrying out the threat.

Probation officer Mike Isherwood told Macclesfield magistrates’ court during the sentencing of Bradley last Wednesday that the defendant had been sacked after play-fighting with a member of staff and being reported for gross misconduct.

He described the threat made by Bradley, who lives with his partner and eight-year-old son, as a ‘completely one-off incident’.

Shirley Kelly, defending, said: “This is a man of previous good character.

“He lost his job and was dependent on benefits and he received a letter from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) saying his benefits were being stopped.

“Also, at the time his wife was in hospital and he was under a great deal of stress.

“He’s deeply sorry for what he has done and has asked me to apologise unreservedly.

“The victim has been asked about a restraining order and doesn’t think one is necessary.

“That reinforces the point that this is not a man you will be seeing before the courts again.”

Bradley, of Barton Street, Macclesfield, pleaded guilty to sending a false message by public electronic communication network to cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety.

Despite requests from his solicitor to fine him, magistrates said the offence was serious enough for a community penalty.

He was ordered to carry out 50 hours of unpaid work and ordered to pay £85 costs as well as a £60 victim surcharge.