At Stafford Crown Court today Judge Eades told Christie the threats to the young mother and her nine-month-old child were “quite shocking and appalling” and the defendant posed a significant risk to the public.

Christie, of Church Street, Oakengates, had admitted charges of making threats to kill, assault causing actual bodily harm and robbery.

He was told he must serve 339 days of a period of custody imposed in 2003 for supplying heroin and possession of a weapon.

Judge Eades said Christie would then serve at least two years and eight months of the indeterminate sentence imposed for public protection.

Also in court was 24-year-old Suni Richards, of Curie Croft, Leegomery, who was jailed for 21 months.

Christie had admitted making the threats to kill and both he and Richards had admitted assaulting Harry Hull-Merrick and robbing Tyrone Prince of £450 in January. The pair changed their pleas during a trial earlier this month and today Judge Eades ruled that seven other charges involving kidnap, blackmail, assault and theft should lie on the file.

Mr David Seconde, for Christie, said his client was remorseful, but denied the violence was linked to a row over drugs.

Mr Adrian Longdale, for Richards, said his client was of previous good character.

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