LOUD music drove a 49-year-old man to threaten to firebomb his neighbour's home over the weekend, Bolton magistrates were told. John Neil Holland, unemployed, spent two nights in custody until appearing in court where he pleaded guilty to threatening to damage property. Mr William Donnally, prosecuting, said Holland lived in an upstairs flat, and Judith Tickle lived underneath at the property in Wasdale Avenue, Breightmet, Bolton.

At 5pm on Saturday Holland banged on the floor because of loud music from a record player in Miss Tickle's flat.

But the noise continued and Holland threw two bricks through an open window.

Although no damage was caused, he was brandishing an empty petrol can which he also threatened to throw.

Mr John Connolly, defending, said Holland and Tickle were normally friends but on occasions he had complained about the noise from her television and record player.

On Saturday Holland "snapped" and although he admitted threatening to throw the petrol can, he had no intention of "firebombing" her flat.

Mr Donnally said that his client now intended to seek advice from the local authority.

Holland was given a conditional discharge for six months and ordered to pay £25 costs.

After the case Miss Tickle told the BEN: "I wear a hearing aid and it is difficult for me to tell if the music is too loud.

Divorcee Miss Tickle, 51, who is terminally ill, said she always tried to compromise and turned her TV or radio off when she knew Mr Holland had arrived home from college.

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