A JEALOUS yob threatened a police officer with an imitation firearm because of his friendship with an ex-girlfriend, a court heard.

Ryan Layzell, 26, is alleged to have assaulted Elle Carter in Rayleigh on New Year’s Eve.

Basildon Crown Court heard he later sent her a photo of himself brandishing a gun with the message: “Tell Rory I have got a Mossberg. Best £550 I have ever spent.”

Raj Joshi, prosecuting, said PC Rory Phillips, based in Grays, was a family friend of Miss Carter and had previously arrested Layzell over a separate incident in Corringham.

Mr Joshi said the assault took place after Layzell forced Miss Carter to let him drive her Vauxhall Corsa to Southend.

Layzell, of Woodgrange Drive, Southend, is then said to have driven her and a boy aged about 15 to a side road.

Mr Joshi said he dragged her out by her arm, pulled her to the ground by her hair and punched her three times in the back of the head. She was left with bruising to her head and scratches.

Giving evidence, Miss Carter said she tried to jump out of the car in Southend when she saw a group of police officers, but Layzell pulled her back.

Miss Carter said: “He had my phone and car, I was just scared. I did not even care about my car or my phone, I just wanted to get away from him.”

Miss Carter said after the attack she avoided contact with Layzell, but he continued to send threatening text messages.

Among them was an image of himself holding the gas powered air gun.

Miss Carter said Layzell also threatened to wait for her outside work. She said: “I did not perceive him to be stable. Someone walked me to my car every night.”

Layzell denies threatening PC Phillips, criminal damage, assault and sending threatening messages.

The trial continues.