A MAN was left traumatised and in need of counselling after he feared he would be taken to the moors and killed by a man who claimed he owed him money, a court was told.

Graeme Thurston tied tape around Christopher Hodgson's wrists and ankles, and then asked his friend to go and fetch a gun, making Mr Hodgson plead with him for his life.

Yesterday, Thurston, 26, of Kingsley Close, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, appeared before Teesside Crown Court and admitted affray.

Judge Peter Bowers sentenced Thurston to 15 months' imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to pay Mr Hodgson £1,000 compensation.

John Gillette, prosecuting, said Thurston believed Mr Hodgson owed him £100.

Mr Gillette said the incident had left Mr Hodgson so traumatised that he intended to seek counselling.

Peter Makepeace, for Thurston, said the offence smacked of bullying and intimidation, and it was not Thurston's normal character.

Thurston believed Mr Hodgson had used their address to get credit, which had led to their address being blacklisted, said Mr Makepeace