A man has been jailed for harassment after sending a letter written in blood in a bizarre dispute over land.

Plymouth magistrates heard that 39-year-old Mark Chambers sent the letter to a family in the St Dominick area of South East Cornwall, and appeared at their isolated home the same day, making threats.

Sandra Washingham, prosecuting, said: "It included a map, over-written in what appeared to be blood. It stated 'tittle note' and 'this is my property'."

The court heard the letter, sent by recorded delivery, also included a photograph of the defendant, and some obscenities.

Miss Washingham said that on the same day that the letter arrived, Chambers appeared at the family's home, and they immediately recognised him from the photograph.

"He was talking about the land, stating 'you have stolen land off me'. He entered the garden and was shouting," Miss Washingham said.

She said Chambers then threw a rock at the family's car, causing damage to a window.

The court heard he then asked the man, whose wife and daughters had locked themselves in the house: "Did you get my letter, written in blood?"

The court heard Chambers was persuaded to leave the scene by another man, but added: "I'm coming back with a shotgun."

Chambers, of Ford Park Road, Mutley, Plymouth, was convicted of harassment and criminal damage at Liskeard Magistrates Court on August 23.

But Plymouth magistrates heard that while representing himself, he had become abusive to the clerk, insulting him repeatedly.

He was then taken downstairs and started kicking a door in the cells, causing damage to it.

The trial proceeded in his absence and he was convicted of harassment and criminal damage to the car.

Yesterday Chambers admitted willfully interrupting court proceedings and criminal damage to the court premises at Liskeard.

He was sentenced to a total of 126 days in custody.