A former England under-19 footballer threatened to kill a man in a revenge attack, a court heard.

Adam Neal, of South Street, Accrington told prison officers he had dreams of killing Matthew Stevenson and he also had access to weapons at home, Preston Crown Court heard.

The 27-year-old was serving time at Haverigg low security prison after being convicted of battery against Mr Stevenson in 2011.

Neal, a former Burnley player, was jailed after a trial in which Mr Stevenson gave evidence against him, the court was told.

Jacob Dyer, prosecuting, said Neal told prison officers three days before he was due to be released last July that he had dreams and visions of shooting Mr Stevenson because ‘he was the one who had him sent down’.

When questioned by police Neal denied any intention to harm or kill him, said he had been drinking Hooch throughout the day and was winding up the security guard.

Officers later searched Neal’s home address and found air weapons.

Kenneth Hind, defending, said the pistols legally belonged to his father and there was no evidence Neal had used them or had access to them.

Mr Hind told the court how Neal’s life ‘went totally wrong’ after failing to make a career as either a footballer or enlist in the army.

He also said Neal had problems using drugs and as a result of the threat had spent 233 days in custody.

He said: “If he was serious about going and committing serious violence upon Matthew Stevenson a person in that situation would have remained silent.

“Clearly it’s a lot more to do with a cry for help.

“He deeply regrets what has happened and he also recognises the offence is totally down to him.

“If he had said nothing there would be no court case and he wouldn’t have served time in custody.”

Mr Hind told the court Neal was in need of counselling for mental health issues and had spoken to the prison health team before the incident.

Neal pleaded guilty to threatening to take revenge and was given a two-year community order with a supervision requirement and restraining order.

Sentencing, Judge Anthony Russell QC said it was a ‘very serious offence’ but was satisfied after reading a letter from Neal that he was ‘genuinely remorseful’.