he claimed he was owed.

Ron Magnum, 36, owner of the Diet Centre in Hamilton, appeared in Magistrates' Court yesterday, charged with writing the threatening words to John Cash.

Magnum had been a lodger in an apartment attached to Cash's house in Mariposa Lane, Southampton.

Prosecuting, Sgt. Earl Kirby said that Cash had asked Magnum to vacate the apartment in July, and he withheld $175 in respect of cleaning and damage.

In August Cash returned to his home and found a threatening letter had been pushed through his front door. He also found that his wife's bike had been pushed over and damaged.

Sgt. Kirby said: "The following day Mr. Cash called the Police. They went to Magnum's place of employment. He admitted responsibility and was warned about further contact.

"On August 12, a registered letter arrived at Mr. Cash's house threatening legal action. The following day an unregistered, unsigned letter arrived.'' Sgt. Kirby read out the letter. It said: "Send my $350 to me or my wife or you will feel the full fury of my rage, old man. I will justify my means.'' When the Police interviewed Magnum he told them he meant no violence but had meant the letter in "the Biblical sense.'' Magnum said: "I knew he was in the wrong because I cleaned out the apartment before I left. He said he had called in a cleaning crew.'' Senior Magistrate the Wor. Will Francis said the courts are in existence to decide financial matters. Magnum agreed that he had been wrong to try and handle the situation by himself.

Mr. Francis said: "In trying to get around the civil courts you have ended up in the criminal courts.'' He gave Magnum a conditional discharge but warned him not to do the same again.