Anglesey man threatened to 'slit retired neighbour's throat'

North Wales Chronicle

2 days ago

Callum Jones, 19, of Bryn Mor Terrace, Holyhead, was sentenced to 14 months' imprisonment, suspended for a year-and-a-half, at Caernarfon Crown Court today (June 5).
He had previously admitted making threats to kill, and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Prosecutor John Wyn Williams said Jones and the woman, who cannot be named, had consensual sex in a baby changing room at public toilets in Holyhead last November, in what was the first time they had met.
Prior to this, they had been exchanging messages, including Jones sending her a picture of a gun he said had, which he wanted to use to shoot her then-partner with.
Not longer after they met, he showed her the gun, which was, in fact, a BB gun resembling a Glock 17 pistol.
This happened while Jones was on police bail, having been arrested for threatening to kill another man, Clifford Nicholls, about six weeks earlier.
Jones lived near to Mr Nicholls, and had been talking to him about finding a tool to fix his bicycle when Mr Nicholls noticed he was carrying a knife.
When Mr Nicholls commented on the knife, Jones told him: 'I'll slit your throat' while still carrying it.
The defendant left the scene, but then returned, telling Mr Nicholls: 'I'll bring six of my mates to kill you.'
Mr Nicholls, who is retired, said he was 'absolutely terrified' by this incident, and was left under the genuine impression that he was going to be killed.
He said he has since been worried about leaving his own home, ensures his doors are locked every night, and has considered moving house.
Representing Jones, who had no previous convictions, Dafydd Roberts said he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and 'traits of autism'.
But he said Jones 'wishes to rehabilitate himself, and is motivated to do so'.
Sending him to prison would, Mr Roberts said, cause his mental health to 'spiral'.
He added: 'Punishment and rehabilitation can be achieved far more positively by the imposition of a suspended sentence, with unpaid work requirements and an exclusion zone.'
Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Jones that carrying a knife was a 'very silly thing to do', and that he had left Mr Nicholls 'understandably very frightened'.
But he deemed him capable of rehabilitation, and ordered him to complete 200 hours' unpaid work and 25 days' rehabilitation activity as part of his suspended sentence.
Jones will also be subject to a three-month 'trail monitoring' period, while 10-year restraining orders were made to protect Mr Nicholls and the woman.
A deprivation order was made in respect of the BB gun.