A COURT has heard how a wealthy property developer allegedly threatened to burn down a friend's house over an unpaid debt.

At Bolton Crown Court the prosecution claimed that 54-year-old David Jackson sent two Russian men to Stephen White's home in Daisy Hill on January 31.

A jury was told how Mr White's adult son, Ross answered the door and they told him that his father should call Jackson within a couple of hours and pay up or his home would be set on fire.

After they left, within minutes, two other men arrived in a van and left a petrol can in a bag on his drive.

Ingus Odzins, aged 32, of Stillwater Drive, Manchester and Janis Storhs, aged 39, of Larch Gardens, Manchester, have both previously pleaded guilty to blackmail, but Jackson, of Sandhole Road, Kearsley, denies the charge.

Odzins and Storhs were seen on CCTV at Jackson's home earlier that day collecting a petrol can and latex gloves, but Jackson told the court that he had given them the items because their car had broken down.

During the three day trial the court heard how Jackson and car dealer Mr White had been friends for many years and in 2008 they agreed to enter a venture together with Jackson investing cash to buy cars which Mr White would sell and they would split the profits.

Mr White claimed that he ended up paying Jackson £1,000 a week, totalling between £200,000 and £300,00 over a six year period.

The relationship soured and when Mr White was diagnosed with bowel cancer towards the end of last year he told the court he refused to pay any more.

Jackson denies he demanded £1,000 a week and said he only wanted his share of the profits from the cars.

He told the court that he still regards Mr White as a friend and had previously bought him and his family expensive gifts as tokens of their friendship. He denies sending men to his home to threaten him.

The jury is expected to retire to consider their verdict today.