A MAN who threatened to kill his disabled father was spared jail yesterday by magistrates.

Mark Anthony Laidlaw, 23, admitted making threats to kill George Laidlaw, on April 30, and breaking two panes of glass, costing £40, at his father's home on the same day.

James Thomas, prosecuting, told magistrates at Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, of Laidlaw's problems with alcohol and drugs since he was 16. He said he had a tendency towards violence when drunk.

He was living with his parents in Newton Aycliffe, when on April 30 he was supposed to be looking after his eight-month-old baby.

His father had gone to collect the baby but, when he returned to his home, he found a window had been broken and an argument started between him and his son.

Mr Thomas said: "He grabbed his father by the lapels and told him he was going to kill him.

"Mr Laidlaw was extremely concerned about the baby, the defendant was frightening the child, who was crying. Mark said, 'I will kill him, he isn't my baby'."

Mr Laidlaw was in court and asked Mr Thomas to tell magistrates that he did not feel custody was the answer as his son needed psychiatric help.

Trevor Jones said in mitigation that Laidlaw had not committed any offences since April 30 and needed a long- term care structure.

Magistrates told Laidlaw, of Elland Court, Darlington, they were giving him a last chance for help, with a 12-month community rehabilitation order.