A MAN jailed for 18 months for threatening to kill his love rival has had his sentence cut.

Richard Youell, aged 36, was jailed at Maidstone Crown Court after pleading guilty in February of making threats to kill, drink driving and dangerous driving.

Last week the Criminal Appeal Court in London heard how Youell, who was of previous good character, had been stressed and depressed about the breakdown of his relationship with his former partner who still lived at the same address as Youell, with her daughter.

But Youell had an acrimonious relationship with her new boyfriend, Christopher Broad.

Mr Broad dropped her home in February this year but, after driving off, became aware of a car pursuing him and realised Youell was the driver.

Youell, of Bunkers Hill, Belvedere, drew level so their wing mirrors almost touched, then accelerated in front before braking and forcing Mr Broad to brake sharply.

Youell then continued to swerve from side to side as Mr Broad tried to get past him.

Mr Broad was so concerned about the situation he called the police.

When the cars eventually came to a halt, Youell shouted repeatedly at Mr Broad, telling him to leave his former partner and her daughter alone.

Police arrived on the scene and put Youell in the back of a police car where he was crying and sobbing so much officers found it difficult to understand what he was saying.

But he was twice heard to tell Mr Broad he would kill him.

Youell's barrister Jacob Blatch told the appeal court Youell had neither the intention. nor the means to carry out his threat.

Cutting his sentence from 18 to 12 months, Judge Michael Mettyear, sitting with Lord Justice Gage and Mrs Justice Dobbs, said Youell had clearly been very distressed.

He said his dangerous driving had been clearly designed to intimidate Mr Broad and cause him to stop.

Judge Mettyear added: "On the other hand, there is no evidence any other motorists were put at risk by this driving."

He also said there were no aggravating features such as jumping red lights or excessive speed.