A MAN who threatened to kill a family and burn down their house has been jailed.

On June 22 last year, Marcus Fraser threatened a family at an address in Park Road, Brighton. 

When he was asked to leave, the 28-year-old became aggressive and hurled homophobic abuse towards them.

He eventually left the property and boarded a bus which was later stopped by officers in central Brighton, where he was arrested in possession of a claw hammer.

Fraser, of Grand Parade in Brighton, was charged with making threats to kill and threats to damage property.

At Lewes Crown Court, he was found guilty and sentenced to 32 months in prison.

The Argus: Marcus Fraser, of Grand Parade in Brighton Marcus Fraser, of Grand Parade in Brighton

He was also given a restraining order forbidding him from contacting the family or entering Rushlake Road or Park Road.

Detective Josh Bellamy said: “This was an extremely frightening ordeal for Fraser’s victims, who had arrived unannounced at their home carrying an offensive weapon and left them in no doubt that he was willing to follow through on his threats.

“Thankfully officers were able to swiftly locate and stop the bus he was travelling on, take him into custody and safeguard the family.

“We are pleased that this sentence has now taken a dangerous individual off the streets.”