A WINCHESTER man has narrowly avoided a prison sentence for sending a threatening message to a social worker.

Grant Turner, 48, of St Catherines Road, Highcliffe, sent a social media message on Whatsapp to Rebecca Snook.

Turner was in court to admit the offence committed in Winchester on August 16.

Magistrates in Basingstoke jailed him for eight weeks but suspended the sentence for 12 months. They said it was a serious offence with threats made to a social worker doing her job.

The court also added a rehabilitation activity requirement for up to 15 days, ordered Turner to pay £100 compensation, a £128 victim surcharge and £85 costs.