Court Man jailed for threatening to stab woman
AJUDGE ordered a £1,000 reward for two hostel workers who intervened when a man threatened a woman with a knife.
Andrea Selby heard William Sayle had made threats against her at Toll House Court in Bedminster.
When she asked him why, an intoxicated Sayle told her “I’m going to stab you” before threatening her with a blade.
In an altercation that ensued Sayle was disarmed by hostel staff Elizabeth Beck and Sebastian Zatwarnicki, Bristol Crown Court heard.
Sayle, 39, pleaded guilty to affray following the incident on July 14.
Judge Julian Lambert jailed him for 12 months and awarded the hostel staff £500 each from the High Sheriff’s Fund.
The judge said: “They put themselves at grave risk in order to maintain order and discipline.
“Their public-spirited actions led to the apprehension of that dangerous man.”
Nicholas Lee, prosecuting, said Miss Selby was confused when she heard Sayle had made threats about her, as they had not fallen out.
But when she asked him about it trouble flared and Sayle threatened her with the knife before staff stepped in.
When police arrested him from his room he was verbally abusive to them and was PAVA sprayed, the court heard.
He claimed Miss Selby had been “pushing his buttons” but made no comment in interview.
The court heard he had 27 previous court appearances for 43 offences including six for knife crime.
Catherine Spedding, defending, said that following the death of a friend her client had spent his money on drink rather than food.
She said: “He’s really sorry for what happened.
“He’s desperate to overcome deeprooted mental health problems. “He’s on medication for anxiety. “He’s desperate to make a good life for himself in future.”
The court heard Sayle aspired to train for a career in the catering industry.