A man who pointed an imitation gun at his former lover and threatened to kill her was today starting a four-year prison sentence.

Giacinto Isolda was described as "a dangerous man" by Recorder Richard Ainley at Hove Crown Court, yesterday.

The 33-year-old, of Lansdowne Road, Worthing, appeared for sentence after being convicted of making threats to kill and possessing an imitation gun.

He had gone to the woman's home in October last year and grabbed her by the throat.

Marlo Addezio, defending, said Isolda's relationship with the woman had ended.

He said: "He has no further interest in her.

"She has moved away and he does not know her new address."

Isolda was jailed for four years for making threats to kill and given a concurrent sentence of three years for possessing an imitation firearm.

Recorder Ainley told him: "These offences were committed because you could not accept that this woman had ended the relationship without your permission.

"You went to her house at least three times and on October 7, you went armed with a gun.

"It is my view that you are a dangerous man."