Knife threats over ‘affair’

FOOTBALLER BREAK-IN

A former semi-professional footballer er tracked his girlfriend’s movements using social media maps then kicked his way into a couple’s home brandishing a knife after accusing her of having an affair.

Johnathan Cummins became convinced his partner was seeing another man after seeing on Snapchat that she had been to his home.

Prosecutors said the woman had been there to discuss buying a PlayStation, but Cummins’ barrister said he genuinely believed they were having an affair.

The 26-year-old armed himself with a knife and kicked the door in at the Ashington home but the other man – Mark Barrass – wasn’t in and only his girlfriend was present, so he ended up fleeing.

Now Cummins, who has a respectable job, no previous convictions and used to help children as part of a goalkeeping organisation, has walked free from court.

The court heard Cummins’ then-partner, Nadia Smith, had gone to school with Mr Barrass and they lived near each other.

Rachel Masters, prosecuting, said Mr Barrass’ work colleague had a PlayStation to sell and an arrangement was made over Facebook for Miss Smith to visit Mr Barrass’ flat about buying it.

She visited his home but decided not to buy the console, the court heard.

Miss Masters said: “Two days later Miss Smith contacted Mr Barrass on Snapchat saying her boyfriend, the defendant, had followed her location and seen she had attended his address.

“This caused problems between them and the defendant thought she was having an affair with Mr Barrass.

“Mr Barrass was concerned and she said she tried to inform the defendant she had simply attended to buy the PlayStation but the defendant didn’t believe her.

“Mr Barrass didn’t know who the defendant was initially but was in fear he h would ld be b tracked k d d down.

“There was concern he would find out where Mr Barrass and his partner lived on Snapchat, and it would appear that had happened.”

On July 9 Mr Barrass’ partner was home alone when she suddenly heard a loud banging as Cummins began trying to force his way into her home.

Miss Masters said: “She thought it was a car crash because it was so loud.

“She went to the front door and there were further bangs and a man was staring through the front door.

“He had a large kitchen knife in his hand, eight to 10 inches long. He was able to gain access through the front door and said ‘I’m looking for Mark’.

“She said he was not there and he became aggressive and agitated.

“She was frightened. No threats were made to her but she feared the knife would be used for something.”

Mr Barrass said in a victim statement: “This man attended my address carrying a knife. He is dangerous and I fear what would have happened if I was there.

“My girlfriend is also terrified for her own safety.”

Cummins, of Heathfield, Morpeth, pleaded guilty to affray and possessing an offensive weapon and was given a community order, 160 hours unpaid work and must pay £700 compensation.

Tom Finch, defending, claimed Miss Smith, with whom he remains friends and who accompanied him to court, has since admitted she was having an affair.

Mr Finch added: “His behaviour on that day was completely out of character and borne out of a very strong emotional reaction to what he had heard.”