Shropshire Star

Drunken Shropshire man in sledgehammer threat

A drunk man who entered a house armed with a sledgehammer and then threatened the occupants has been given a suspended prison sentence.

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Joseph Pearson also injured a woman at the address in Charles Avenue, Albrighton, as she attempted to get the weapon off him, Shrewsbury Crown Court heard.

Mr Robert Edwards, prosecuting, said the 29-year-old knew the family who lived at the address and had been out for a drink with Tom Harris prior to the incident on June 10.

While the pair were out drinking together, Pearson took off his watch to show Mr Harris.

Mr Edwards said while Pearson was walking home he realised his watch was missing and assumed Mr Harris had taken it. The court was told that he texted Mr Harris's mother, Julia Harris, making threats to kill her son. Mr Edwards said he went to the Harris' home "angry", "drunk" and was armed with a sledgehammer.

Mr Edwards said Julia Harris then turned up and attempted to pull the sledgehammer from Pearson but she was hit in the chest by the handle. She suffered bruising where she was struck.

Pearson, of Brooklands Road, Albrighton, was arrested and told police he was drunk and never intended to carry out the threats. He pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon, assault, criminal damage and affray.

He was given a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, during last week's hearing.

Mr Phillip Beardwell, representing Pearson, said he had not gone to the address armed with the weapon initially. He said the watch had sentimental value.

"This is an incident of very poor behaviour of which he is ashamed," he said.

Pearson will also have to complete 20 days of a rehabilitation activity.

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