A teenager launched a tirade of threats and abuse in phone calls to a schoolboy threatening to slit his throat.

Matthew Clark labelled the 16-year-old as gay, yet also accused him of molesting his female partner.

Clark, 19, of no fixed address, appeared before Ashford magistrates accused of sending communication of an indecent or offensive nature on two occasions.

Anna Kachingwe , prosecuting, said Clark had originally made a threatening call last December 2 and the victim recorded the second call, on April 20.

The court heard that Clark made remarks such as: “If I find you, boy, I’m going to slit your throat.”

He added: “I know you’re gay” but also said: “You touched my missus up.”

In a statement the victim said he was already under pressure, as he was due to take his GCSEs, and added: “I was sure the person making the calls was capable of carrying out the threat to cause me physical harm.”

Clark pleaded guilty and Stuart Weedon, representing him, said Clark was seeking a job and giving up drugs and alcohol.

Magistrates imposed a 42-day prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. He was ordered to do 300 hours’ unpaid work, pay £100 compensation to the victim and £60 costs.

In addition he was required to go on victim empathy and anger management sessions.