Spared prison: Telford knifeman who threatened landlord's life

Robert Challoner, 42, of Brackenfield, Telford, had pleaded guilty to one offence of making threats to kill in July this year.

The court heard at about 7pm on July 4 Challoner's partner called the police to inform them the defendant had left the house with a kitchen knife.

Prosecuting at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Tariq Shakoor said the defendant took the knife and went to the local shop - the Premier Store in Sutton Hill.

Mr Shakoor said: "The defendant went into the shop and ask the shop worker about the whereabouts of his brother.

"He told the defendant his brother was not in the shop.

"The defendant stated 'it will be the last time you see him' and brandished a knife and said 'I am going to kill him'.

"The defendant then left the shop and was stopped by the police a little while later. He was verbally abusive to them."

The court heard a knife with a five inch blade was recovered from the defendant's pocket.

Mr Shakoor said: "The defendant was arrested and on route to custody he became threatening verbally and threatened to kill a number of people."

The court heard that on interview Challoner said he had taken the knife with the intention to kill his former landlord as he was on a downward depression.

Mr Shakoor added that the intended victim said the incident had affected him and he was now very anxious about life and working in the shop. He said: "He had sleep deprivation and feared he may be attacked."

Sentencing Judge Gosling said: "Anyone who heard the facts of this case would be very concerned indeed.

"You say now that when confronted you wouldn't have actually killed anyone but you did terrify the shop owner and his brother.

"I think when you take your medicine and receive help the threat is minimal."

Challoner was sentenced to eight months imprisonment suspended for two years, ordered to pay the £180 criminal surcharge and given a restraining order.