MAN THREATENED BOY, 17, WITH SWORD AND HAMMER IN STREET

51-year-old had row with victim and dad

ANGRY Craig Davis threatened a teenage boy with a sword and a hammer after a row erupted in the street.

The 51-year-old became involved in a heated argument with his victim at 10am and the teenager’s dad came out and pushed Davis to the ground.

But Davis went home, armed himself and returned with the weapons and threatened the youth.

Now he has been sentenced to 12 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, at Stoke-on-trent Crown Court.

He was also made the subject of a restraining order which prevents him contacting or communicating with the victim and his dad for three years.

Prosecutor Antony Longworth said Davis lives a few doors away from his victim. On December 5 last year Davis complained about the 17-yearold’s behaviour and there was a confrontation.

Mr Longworth said: “The lad’s father pushed the defendant over forcefully. But the defendant went back to his home and came back with a sword and threatened the 17-year-old who had to be held back by his father.

“The police were called. The defendant told them he had hidden the knife behind a fish tank. It was recovered as was the hammer.”

In his police interview Davis expressed disgust at his behaviour. Davis, of Ashwood, Longton, pleaded guilty to two charges of threatening another with an offensive weapon.

Elizabeth Power, mitigating, said Davis has a long-standing addiction to alcohol. She said the 17-year-old had been friends with Davis but they had fallen out.

She said Davis was horrified when he saw footage.

Miss Power said: “At the time he had drunk a bottle of brandy, vodka and numerous cans. He knows he has to do something about his drinking.”

As part of the suspended sentence Davis must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement for 30 days, a sixmonth alcohol treatment requirement and a three-month electronicallymonitored curfew from 10pm to 6am.

Judge Paul Glenn said: “You went to the teenager’s home at 10am, a very unwise thing to do, particularly when drunk, as you accept you were.

“His father became involved. You were swiftly put to the floor. He described you saying, ‘I will be back for you later’, and that is exactly what you did. You went home, you armed yourself and returned to the location with a sword in one hand and a hammer in the other.

“It was an unpleasant incident in a busy public place.”

Davis was ordered to pay £250 costs. The judge ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the hammer and sword.