Chesterfield magistrates were told on Wednesday that unemployed Peter Niblett had bought a mobile phone from a female relative of his partner.

The relative had been involved in a difficult relationship and Niblett began receiving calls from her ex-partner's family.

Prosecutor Michael Treharne said Niblett suspected they were being made by her ex-partner's father, Charles Shephard.

The court was told he found out where Mr Shephard lived, who was at his Shirebrook home watching television when Niblett (26) confronted him about the calls.

"Mr Shephard told the defendant he had no idea who he was or what he was talking about. He said the defendant became angry, his face was contorted and he was foaming at the mouth," said Mr Treharne.

"He said the defendant threatened to sort him out and threatened violence against him."

Niblett told police he had received calls from the Shephard family and wanted to resolve the problem.

Added Mr Treharne: "He accepted he had had an anger problem in the past and he may have approached the wrong person in the family.

"He said he was wound-up and may have sworn at the complainant, but he said he wouldn't have carried out any threats and would only have struck the complainant if he had been struck first."

Niblett, of Valley Road, admitted using threatening behaviour on 17th June and was fined a total of £115, with £60 costs. He had a previous conviction for assault.

Said Julian Hammond, in mitigation: "He received numerous phone calls and went to see who he thought was the caller and offered him out.

"Two weeks later, he went round to apologise to Mr Shephard and they shook hands and left it at that.

"In hindsight, he knew it was the wrong thing to do but it was a brief confrontation."