A 61-year-old was described by magistrates as "a woman scorned" after she admitted making threats towards her husband's new partner.

Maureen Griffin, of Red Barn Road, Brightlingsea, was given a conditional discharge after admitting using threatening, abusive behaviour to put in fear of violence towards Sharon Clark, between January and May.

She admitted the offences at a hearing earlier this year.

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard yesterday how Griffin made various telephone calls to the victim's home in Witham during these dates.

Jonathan Reynolds, prosecuting, said in the calls Griffin wanted the aggrieved dead.

Paul van Schaik, mitigating, said: "These offences involved the new partner of my client's husband and took place at the end of a marriage which lasted 43 years."

Magistrates' chairman Ian Andrew said: "Whilst these were serious threats, they were minor in nature and in relation to the end of your marriage and we understand your position as a woman scorned. Nevertheless threats of this nature are serious."

Published Tuesday July 20, 2004

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