A homeless man has avoided prison for a string of offences – including assaults.
18-year-old Nathan Rowe previously pleaded guilty to assaulting three men, possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage and possession of cannabis.
At a sentencing hearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 20 November, prosecutor Keith Ballinger said police were called to Unity House in Chippenham by a support worker on 7 August this year.
On arrival, officers discovered two men had been assaulted by Rowe – who lived at the hostel. Neither male suffered any notable injuries but did have some pain and discomfort.
Two days later, on 9 August, Rowe attended the JobCentre Plus in Chippenham to speak to an advisor about deductions taken from his benefits.
He was told to move his bicycle from the doorway, which caused him to become rude and aggressive. When he was asked to leave, he punched door – smashing the glass.
On 14 August, the defendant went to the Wiltshire Council offices in Monkton Park after he was ejected from Unity House for making threats with a baseball bat.
However, he was greeted by police officers – who are also based on site – and arrested. He was found to be in possession of the baseball bat.
The court heard that Rowe entered Joshua Evan’s bedroom and threatened to kill him in a row over loud music.
Liz Highams, defending, said her client is “incredibly remorseful” and has “taken responsibility for his actions”.
She said that Rowe was “in inappropriate housing with other young people with various needs”, which was the cause of his offending.
Ms Highams said that he is now in better suited accommodation, in Alabare Place in Barnard Street, Salisbury. She added that he is taking medication for anxiety and depression and hoping to find a job.
Magistrates handed Rowe – who has numerous convictions from when he was a youth – a 15-month community order with the requirement to complete 15 rehabilitation activity days. He was also fined £120.
