A MAN sought revenge on his ex-partner and her new love who was also his former best friend.

Blackburn magistrates heard David Hugh Irwin said his life had been “destroyed” by the events that had ended his 28-year relationship.

And his frustration culminated in him following his former friend in his car and crashing into him before jumping out and slashing a tyre.

Irwin, 59, of Harcourt Street, Burnley, pleaded guilty to criminal damage to a tyre belonging to Keelie Goodman, using threatening behaviour towards Wayne Cavanagh and two charges of possessing an offensive weapon, a screwdriver, in public.

He was sentenced to 12 weeks in custody suspended for 12 months, made subject to a community order for two years with 20 days' rehabilitation activity requirement and ordered to pay £50 compensation to each of the victims and £122 victim surcharge. He was made subject to a restraining order for two years which prevents him having any contact with Miss Goodman or Mr Cavanagh.

Ruby Mckeague, prosecuting, said the first incident in December had been captured on CCTV which showed Irwin slash all four tyres on a car parked in Melrose Avenue with a screwdriver.

It transpired the car belonged to Mr Cavanagh’s son and Irwin subsequently paid for all the tyres to be replaced.

On January 12 Mr Cavanagh was driving back from the shops when he saw Irwin behind him.

“He was driving very close and had what Mr Cavanagh thought was a knife in his hand,” said Miss Mckeague. “He was flashing his lights and sounding his horn and Mr Cavanagh thought he was trying to get him to stop so he could attack him.”

Miss Mckeague said the two vehicles made contact as Mr Cavanagh turned into his drive.

“The aggrieved got out, picked up a stone and threw it towards the defendant’s car to try and slow him down, before running into his home and shutting the door,” said Miss Mckeague.

“CCTV showed the defendant plunge a screwdriver into one of the rear tyres and when neighbours came out and asked what was going on Irwin said he was going to kill the other man.

Vaqas Yakub, defending, said his client had committed the offences at a time when he was emotionally unstable. “His marriage of 28 years had come to an end and his wife had entered into a relationship with his best friend."