TWO men who tried to extort cash from a woman while subjecting her to terrifying threats of violence have been jailed for a total of almost ten years.

Abid Ali, 25 and Himayun Nawaz, 22, both at the time under suspended jail terms, subjected their main victim Kelly Edmondson to a prolonged ordeal during which she was told she would be burned and have her legs smashed, Burnley Crown Court heard.

Ali, of Regent Place and Nawaz, of Westmorland Street, both Nelson, had admitted blackmail and were each sent to prison for a total of four years and one month. Ali, a drug addict, also pleaded guilty to a separate allegation of assault causing actual bodily harm.

Anthony Longworth, prosecuting, said Miss Edmondson, who knew both defendants, was at the home of a male friend when they turned up.

Ali took the leading role, saying he was not going to hit the victim, but had heard she had a couple of grand. Miss Edmondson said she only had a £500 loan and Ali searched her.

Ali was frustrated and told Miss Edmondson she would be beaten up if she did not give him £500.The defendant then told Nawaz to take an ornamental oil burner, made from a long metal rod, and the end was put in front of the gas fire until it became hot. Miss Edmondson was threatened she would be burned if she did not get cash. She was terrified and begged and pleaded with him.

Mr Longworth said Ali would not let Miss Edmondson and her friend go and told the pair to stay with him until the banks opened. They obeyed instructions, her friend was punched in the face and as the four left the house, Miss Edmondson and her companion were told:"If you say anything, I will break your legs."

Miss Edmondson and her friend were then taken to a house and held there before she was escorted to her building society by Ali. No money was obtained and eventually Ali told her to go to her mother's house to get her bank book. Miss Edmondson managed to call the police and the defendants were arrested.

For Ali, Gareth Jones said he understood Miss Edmondson would have been frightened and apologised.

Alex Leach, defending Nawaz, said drink underpinned his offending.