HOMOPHOBIC messages left on a mobile phone have landed a man in court.

Anthony Cheshire, of Nunfield, Chipperfield, left the abusive voice mail on the phone belonging to Jason Birbeck, Watford Magistrates Court heard on Friday.

Jan Brooks, prosecuting, said Cheshire, 42, telephoned the victim's home wanting to speak to his partner, John.

The court heard that John was not there and so Mr Birbeck called back and got through to Cheshire, who denied he had phoned.

An argument ensued and the conversation was terminated.

However Cheshire called back twice and left abusive messages using "homophobic words", the court was told.

Five days later the matter was reported to police and Cheshire was arrested.

He admitted calling Mr Birbeck names, but said he was not a homophobe.

John Fuller, defending, said Cheshire had telephoned to speak to Mr Birbeck's partner because he is the chairman of his Alcoholics Anonymous group.

He said: "Unfortunately, he was away on business.

"Mr Cheshire had been drinking and left two voice messages and made offensive remarks.

"I think he was just a bit angry."

Cheshire had a previous conviction for threatening words and behaviour and was on a two-year Asbo banning him from Watford town centre and drinking in a public place.

However his offending has diminished in recent years and he is trying to take control of his drinking.

As a result chairman of the bench Cathy Kerby imposed a 12-month conditional discharge.