Son found with axe claimed ‘religious differences’ with dad

A Muslim convert was found carrying an axe through the streets to confront his Christian father over “religious differences”, a court heard.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Clayton McKenna was taking the weapon – which he got from his mother’s shed – through Boldon Colliery in the early hours of the morning, to his father’s home on July 18.

The 22-year-old gave a series of “confused and contradictory” explanations when he was stopped by the police, including saying he was on his way to his father’s “to ask him to bow down to me” – a statement he now rejects.

McKenna made initial claims that he had intended to use violence against his dad because of their different religious beliefs but also said he did not want to hurt or injure anyone and had the weapon for his own protection.

McKenna, of Kingsland Square, Downhill, Sunderland, pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage to his mother’s shed, having a bladed article and having a small amount of cannabis. He has been in custody in remand since his arrest.

Judge Penny Moreland sentenced McKenna to a three-year community order with rehabilitation requirements and supervision.

She said: “It appears you were sober, you had not been drinking or taking drugs. There has been an examinationby the mental health team and they are satisfied there are no mental health issues I ought to be taking into account.

“I am concerned that there is no real explanation for your confused thinking that morning, nor for those threats made, even though they appear to have been without substance.”