An angry father-of-two who bombarded a love rival with threatening phone calls after his marriage broke down has been given a suspended jail sentence at Worcester Crown Court.

Michael Taylor warned Paul Gough and his daughter Sophie there was "no hiding place" and the terrified pair were forced to move to a temporary address in fear.

Taylor, aged 42, of Stagborough Way, Stourport-on-Severn, admitted harassment and was made the subject of a restraining order forbidding contact with the victims for an indefinite period.

Recorder Alan Dooley suspended a three-month jail term for 12 months and ordered Taylor, a self-employed businessman, to pay £600 court costs.

The two men had known each other for a number of years but Taylor blamed Gough when his 16-year marriage broke down, said Michael Aspinall, prosecuting.

In August last year, Taylor, in a "very irate" mood threatened Mr Gough, 47, by phone, then banged and kicked his door in Stourport.

Alarmed

Taylor later phoned 17-year-old Sophie Gough and made intimidating comments, accusing her and her father of making his two sons orphans.

Mr Aspinall said the victims were so alarmed they went to stay in Solihull.

When arrested Taylor said e had an argument with Mr Gough over a lawnmower.

Evelyn Bugeja, defending, said lies and deceit surrounded the marriage breakdown. Taylor's ex-wife and Mr Gough were now living together.

Taylor, a man with no previous convictions, became distressed and depressed because of "the love triangle", she said.

His business now had a £45,000 overdraft and he was bringing up his sons and paying the mortgage on the matrimonial home.

Miss Bugeja said Taylor had helped build a skateboard park for local children and had been instrumental in uniting his community after a stabbing.

Recorder Dooley said he regarded Taylor's behaviour as serious, but due to his good record and personal circumstances, was able to suspend a sentence.