A YOUNG man who sent a threatening message to a rape victim’s relative narrowly escaped a prison sentence.

James Westwood was told he added more misery to the “trauma and upset” of the victim and her family.

Durham Crown Court was told he sent the victim’s relative an internet message from him making abusive remarks and “advising” the victim to leave the country.

The message appeared with an attached picture of him holding a gun.

Susan Hirst, prosecuting, told the court: “The combined effect was that she believed he was threatening (the victim).”

Miss Hirst said Westwood also sent a Blackberry message saying she should push her family member over the edge of a cliff, but it went in error to the wrong destination.

It was reported and Westwood was arrested the following day.

He said the gun on the internet message picture belonged to his grandfather.

Miss Hirst said Westwood told police he sent it “for a laugh”, but conceded “it was bad”, accepting it looked like a threat.

Westwood, 20, of Old Hall Farm Road, St Helen’s, near Bishop Auckland, admitted sending the threatening message.

Jim Withyman, mitigating, told the court: “He realises it was insensitive and callous.

“He had no grievance with these two, but was contacted by someone and asked to send an unpleasant message.

“He didn’t realise how serious it was until it was brought to his attention by police.

“It’s had a knock-on effect for his grandfather, who has had his firearms taken from him and won’t get them back, much to his annoyance.”

Recorder Andrew Campbell told Westwood: “I hope you’re thoroughly ashamed of yourself.”

He said but for his previous good character, young age and early guilty plea, he would have received an immediate custodial sentence.

Westwood was given 12 months in a young offenders’ institution suspended for two years, with 12 months’ probation supervision and 150- hours’ unpaid work.