Homophobic threats A MAN has been given a suspended prison sentence after the homophobic abuse of a man in Andover last year. Scott Anthony McLaren abused and threatened a man with a knife in the town on July 8, 2020. Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court heard on Monday that the offence was motivated by homophobia. Additionally, McLaren, of Quicksilver Way in Picket Twenty, was found guilty of being in possession of an 8.5-inch knife in a public place, which he used to threaten the victim. Magistrates’ imposed an eight week prison sentence, suspended for twelve months. The 44-year-old must also attend appointments with the probation service during his sentence, and participate in 20 days of rehabilitation activities.