A couple from Staverton ‘want to sell their home’ after their neighbour’s murder threat.
Martin Arlett, 19, pleaded guilty to using threatening words or behaviour to cause fear and possession of an offensive weapon at Salisbury Magistrates’ court on Monday (16 January).
Crown prosecutor Keith Ballinger said the victims – a man and woman – were at home when they heard banging, crashing and shouting coming from next door on 27 November last year.
At around 10.15pm, the man went to the defendant’s address in The Square, Staverton, and spoke with the defendant’s mother – who was “extremely apologetic” about the noise.
Annoyed by his complaint, Arlett went to the man’s home and started banging on the door. He shouted: “I’ll kill you, I’ll end you, come out here”. Fearing for his heavily-pregnant partner’s safety, the police were called.
When officers a short time later, they went to Arlett’s home – where he was found armed with a baton. The weapon was immediately seized and he was arrested.
The woman victim said that she was “really scared” during the incident, which happened in a “quiet area” where “this type of incident is uncommon”.
She said her heart rate was high when Arlett was banking on the door and she suffered a panic attack at nine months pregnant. She added that she “wants to sell the house” over fears it will happen again.
Defending, Paul Jones said his client was not brandishing the weapon when he attended his neighbour’s property – he picked it up whilst inside his own home.
He said that the defendant has not had any issues with his neighbours previously or since. Arlett lives with his mother and struggles with mental health issues.
Mr Jones said Arlett was self-medicating with non-prescription diazepam and using £80-worth of cannabis a week.
The chief magistrate Martin Clark said that he has “some sympathy with your mental health” but continued: “They’re so frightened they want to sell their house, they’re so frightened they don’t want to come out their house.”
He imposed an 18-month community order with a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement and £500 compensation for the couple affected by the behaviour. He must also pay costs and a surcharge.
“You put them through hell that night and they’re still living it”, Mr Clark added.
