A MAN threatened to petrol bomb the home of his sister while she and her children were inside, a court has heard.

William Sinclaire, of Pryce Avenue, Hindley who had been prosecuted for smashing a window at Elaine Crook's home on an earlier occasion, called her "a dirty grass" and shouted: "Before I go to jail I'll petrol bomb your house when your kids are in it."

He ran off and she rang the police and later the same day Police arrested him after he had been seen with a baseball bat in Hindley town centre.

When interviewed he said he had been drinking but admitted shouting threats at his sister because of the earlier incident. He said he had bought the baseball bat because a man had tried to attack him.

Sinclaire, 31, formerly known as Lamb, pleaded guilty to affray and possessing an offensive weapon and Liverpool Crown Court heard that he has convictions for 13 previous offences and was under supervision for an assault.

Miss Mottram said that in a statement his sister said that her brother needed help for his drinking.

Steven Swift, defending, said that it was clear that Sinclaire had a long term problem with alcohol. He has shown willingness to tackle his problems and has enrolled on courses to help him.

Judge Denis Watson, QC, placed him under supervision for 12 months and ordered him to carry out 120 hours unpaid work. "A community order is best for you and best for the community," he said.