A FAMILY were forced to flee to Ireland after an alleged drug dealer threatened to burn down their home, a court has heard.
Dominic Kearns is accused of targeting the family of Jason Cullem after the 19-year-old began to buy cocaine off him.
It is alleged the Wirral family were so terrified he would shoot them if they did not hand over thousands of pounds they fled the country.
Kearns, 24, of Coniston Street, Anfield, denies two counts of blackmail between July 1, 2007, and January 15.
Liverpool Crown Court heard McDonalds worker Jason became hooked on cocaine and began to buy drugs off dealer Kearns on credit.
An escalating series of cash demands grew until ,in January, 2008, Kearns produced a gun, said Graham Pickavance, prosecuting.
He added: “Threats to shoot and burn the house down were made.”
Kearns was picked out from an identity parade.
