A MAN threatened to “destroy” a woman and her family during a “nasty” phone call that was recorded during a feud between them.

David Lathwell threatened Cassie Malson-Dixon after he blamed her for breaking a window on his girlfriend’s car, Cardiff Crown Court heard.

Prosecutor Tony Trigg said there was a history of bad blood between the two and told how the defendant had been abusive to her father Rocky.

He had told him: “I’m going to burn Cassie’s car and I’m going to burn your house with it.”

Mr Trigg said Lathwell then made the phone threat to Miss Malson-Dixon which was recorded.

The call was played to the court in which the defendant was heard to say to her: “I am going to destroy you and your family.”

The Recorder of Cardiff, Judge Eleri Rees, was told Miss Malson-Dixon’s car was later targeted in an arson attack.

The court was also told that although he was initially charged in connection with that incident, there no evidence to suggest Lathwell was responsible for it and the prosecution dropped their case against him.

Lathwell, aged 33, of Upland Drive, Trevethin, Pontypool, pleaded guilty to sending a threatening message under the Malicious Communications Act.

The offence was committed on March 28, 2018.

Mr Trigg said Lathwell had three previous convictions for seven offences, including affray, interfering with a motor vehicle and theft.

Hashim Salmman, mitigating, admitted his client made a “nasty” phone call which had caused her “fear and anxiety” to his victim.

But he added that Lathwell, who is living on state benefits, had entered a guilty plea and ten years had passed since his last conviction.

The defendant, the court was told, is suffering with his mental health and was looking to reconcile with his partner.

Judge Rees sentenced Lathwell to a 12-month community order and a six-week electronically tagged curfew of between 6pm and 6am.

He was also made subject of a five-year restraining order not to contact Miss Malson-Dixon and he must pay £200 towards prosecution costs and an £85 victim surcharge.