The Murton thug threatened to burn down the woman’s house during the argument

Witnesses saw Daniel Baker arguing, pushing and shoving a woman outside her home in Horden at around 5pm on Friday, August 7.

Prosecutor Kate Barnes told Durham Crown Court that a bystander believed both were highly intoxicated.

When the neighbor returned 20 minutes later, Baker was hugging another man who had run away.

Daniel Baker was sentenced to four months in prison for threatening to burn down the woman’s house

He then took off down the road with the woman and was clearly heard saying: “I’m coming back and burning your house down.”

Another neighbor intervened shortly before the police arrived and arrested Baker.

Miss Barnes said the woman refused to help police or give a victim statement.

Baker, 33, of Darcy Square, Murton, admitted threatening to damage or destroy property.

He was said to have 12 convictions for 19 offences, including wounding with intent in 2014, for which he was jailed for 56 months.

Miss Barnes said the August offense breached an 18-month community order imposed in May last year for concealing a police constable, criminal damage and a public order offence.

Jonathan Gittins, for Baker, said his contact with the courts had been “somewhat limited” since the serious 2014 offence.

Mr Gittins said Baker apologized for the latest offence, but claimed the threat was a repeat remark when he left the woman at home.

He said the argument began after Baker was accused of stealing items from the woman’s home, which he denied.

Judge Nathan Adams said the incident began with both sides pushing, shoving, shouting and swearing, but Baker was then clearly heard threatening to come back and set the house on fire.

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“Threats of that nature are always taken seriously.”

He was sentenced to four months in jail, but because Baker had been in jail since the incident, he was expected to “serve time” and be released almost immediately.

Baker also faces a separate public order order at the magistrates court later this month over the dispute with the other man.