A former heroin addict who blackmailed his elderly neighbour before smashing down his front door was today handed a suspended jail sentence.

Oxford Crown Court heard Brian Stuart, of Banbury Road, Oxford, knocked on the door of his neighbour Barry Britton's house in January, shouting and swearing before pushing his way inside.

Peter Coombe, prosecuting, said Stuart believed he was owed by his neighbour after appearing as a witness in court two years ago when Mr Britton was robbed and blackmailed by a homeless crack addict.

Mr Coombe said: "Mr Britton is an elderly, frail and somewhat timid man.

"The defendant went to where Barry Britton kept his cheques and passport and started rummaging through.

"He took Mr Britton's passport out and made remarks about how he would not last long. He said he wanted £200 if (Mr Britton) wanted his passport back.

"(Mr Britton) gave him £15 and the defendant then left."

Mr Coombe said Stuart, 48, went back to his neighbour's house but Mr Britton had put the chain on the door.

He said: "The defendant got the door open, ripping the chain and bracket from the wall."

Stuart admitted blackmail and criminal damage.

Henry James, defending, said Stuart had been addicted to heroin, but had managed to kick his habit.

Stuart was given a 12-month jail sentence suspended for two years and a two-year supervision order.