A driver who innocently stopped outside a house in Warrington to investigate a suspected fault with his van feared for his life after being threatened by an axe-wielding householder.
A court heard today (Mon) that Stephen Hughes was driving along Winwick Road on May 8 with a colleague when he pulled over to check his vehicle.
Stuart Parker- described in references as “a gentle giant” – immediately came out of his home and shouted at him, “F… off I’m sick of you lot always coming around here.”
He repeated his remarks and Mr Hughes tried to explain why he had stopped but Parker again told him to “f….off”, said Chris Hopkins, prosecuting.
Parker aged 39, went back into his house and then came out waving an axe around in his right hand above his head.
Mr Hughes and his companion feared for their lives and left the scene.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Parker had been working as a chemical and electrical engineer but has had to give up his job because of his deteriorating mental health.
Jim Smith, defending, said that his mental health has stabilised since the incident and his wife and family are very supportive.
Parker, of Winwick Road, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon.
Sentencing Parker, the judge, Recorder David Knifton, KC, said, “The events were rather shocking but somewhat bizarre.”
He said that Parker came out towards Mr Hughes “carrying an axe, threatening to kill him. He was understandably terrified.
“Such were concerns for public safety that armed police officers attended the scene once matters were reported to the police. You made a number of threats to police officers.”
The judge pointed out that Parker, who has 12 previous convictions for 26 offences, was the subject of a community order for battery at the time of the latest offence.
But he continued that “a series of impressive references” described him as “a kind, honest, hard working family man with strong morals. You are described by more than one as a gentle giant.”
Recorder Knifton said that the defendant’s behaviour stems from his mental health issues. He has been diagnosed as suffering from “bi-polar affective disorder with manic psychotic episodes exacerbated by alcohol. Your condition is currently in remission.”
He sentenced him to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years and imposed a 12 month mental health treatment requirement. He also ordered him to carry out 15 days rehabilitation activities.
