Ex's threat to 'knife cops' and burn Telford house
A man who threatened to burn down his own home when his ex-girlfriend came around to collect her possessions after their break-up then threatened to attack police with a knife, a court was told.
Ricky Steventon got enraged when his ex-girlfriend came to his home in Westbourne, Woodside, Telford, with two friends. He tried to smash up a double bed and haul it downstairs before shouting: "If you don't get your things, I will burn the house down." Steventon's ex-girlfriend had said she feared for her safety, her friends' safety and for the safety of other people who were living in the shared accommodation, Telford magistrates was told yesterday.
After trying to calm Steventon down she fled and called the police.
Miss Sara Beddow, prosecuting, said Stevenson had called out: "If the coppers come I will knife them – you think I'm joking".
"When officers arrived they saw Steventon brandishing a six-inch silver kitchen knife," Miss Beddow added. She told the court Steventon was "very aggressive in the tone of his voice" and gritting his teeth.
When the officers said they were carrying Tasers and ordered him to drop the weapon, the 23-year-old gave himself up.
"None of the witnesses say that they were personally threatened with the knife, but all feared for their safety," said Miss Beddow.
Steventon admitted one charge of affray yesterday, but magistrates decided the offence was so serious only a crown court could provide an adequate sentence.
Steventon was remanded in custody pending a sentencing date at Shrewsbury Crown Court.
Mr Adrian Roberts, for Steventon, said his client should not be sent to prison because of his mental health issues.
Steventon had "almost nothing" of a criminal record, he told the court.
