A GUNMAN, angry over lack of contact with his ex-girlfriend's son, turned up in the early hours and pointed a rifle at the babysitter's head.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Lee Marsden was "petrified" as Derek Smith, 56, threatened to kill Yvonne Jakouleus and her new boyfriend. Mr Marsden was so close to the weapon that had Smith taken a step forward, he would have touched the end of the barrel.

Smith, who had no previous convictions, and was in lawful possession of the Remington .22 rifle, escaped an immediate jail term. He was sent to prison for six months, suspended for two years and has also lost his gun licence.

Judge Raymond Bennett said: "You frightened the living daylights out of the baby-sitter and I do not suppose he will ever forget the fright you gave him."

Smith, of Tooter Cottage, Goodshawfold Road, Crawshawbooth, had admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, in June.

Charles Brown, prosecuting, said Smith's relationship with Miss Jakouleus ended in 1997 and Smith, who had formed an attachment to her 10-year-old child, was resentful about lack of contact.

On June 7, she went out to a pigeon club, leaving Mr Marsden baby-sitting. At about 1am, Smith knocked on the door and confronted Mr Marsden, pointing a gun. Mr Marsden was petrified and thought he was about to be shot.

Smith demanded to know where she was and then became more angry, threatening to kill Miss Jakouleus and her new boyfriend.

Mr Marsden phoned Miss Jakouleus at the club and took the child home. Police were contacted and Smith was later arrested at his home.

Tony Cross, defending, said there had been no repetitions of Smith's behaviour. It had never been suggested during Smith's relationship with Miss Jakouleus that he was a man of violence. There had never been anything like this sort of behaviour.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.