A MIDDLE-AGED drunkard who stalked his estranged wife and threatened to kill her has won his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how angry John Quigley, 56, left victim Donna Quigley frightened and distraught after twice confronting her in the early hours.

The defendant now wanted nothing more to do with her Quigley, who has served the equivalent of a 10-month sentence on remand, was given a two-year community order with supervision.

He also received a three-year restraining order and must not go within 100 metres of Talbot Street, Burnley.

The defendant, of Healeywood Road, Burnley, admitted harassment.

Sentencing, Judge Michael Byrne said: "I am satisfied that with your background history of drunken behaviour, assaults and offences of that sort that the threat when you have a mind to be difficult or threatening to somebody is real and no doubt successful."

He added he thought the public and anybody with whom Quigley formed any kind of relationship could be best protected from such behaviour from the defendant by the imposition of the community order.

Katie Jones, prosecuting, told the court the Quigleys had had an eight-year volatile relationship.

The defendant was on police bail not to contact the victim at the time.

Last July, Mrs Quigley had been out drinking with friends at the Circulation Club in Burnley.

As the group waited for a taxi they were confronted by Quigley and forced to call police.

And in August Mrs Quigley received a mobile call from Quigley while in the Garden Bar, Burnley.

They met up but after about 10 minutes, Quigley became angry, pulled out a pen and threatened to kill her.

Mrs Quigley left in a taxi in a distressed state Martin Hackett, defending, said the defendant had had difficulties through drink, but had sobered up on remand.

The barrister went on: "He doesn't want anything to do with the complainant ever again."