A TEENAGER based in Bridgwater has been sentenced for possessing a scythe in a public place and threatening to 'shank' a person in Somerset.
The defendant, Harry Millington-Draper, 18, of Taunton Road, Bridgwater, appeared in Taunton Magistrates' Court on Monday (June 8).
The court heard that on September 27 of last year in Frome, Millington-Draper used threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour with intent to cause the victim to believe that immediate unlawful violence would be used against them or to provoke unlawful violence from them.
Emma Lenanton, prosecuting, said Millington-Draper had on him a scythe at the time of the incident and threatened to 'shank' the victim.
It was said that Millington-Draper spoke to the victim, saying: "Do you want me to shank you?
"I am going to shank you."
Ms Lenanton said the incident was a 'shock to the system' for the victim, and it has left them feeling 'very emotional' and 'vulnerable'.
The victim statement, which was read aloud to the court, said: "The incident has affected my sleep as I have replayed the incident over in my mind and what could have happened.
"Since dealing with this incident, I deal with further incidents much quicker and harsher than I had done on previous occasions.
"Due to the [scythe] being involved, I wasn't sure if the suspect would use this on me or not."
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Ms Lenanton said the victim was worried this would cause 'life-changing injuries' or 'even death'.
The court heard that it took the victim a month to get over the incident and that it has 'had a considerable impact' on the victim and their family.
In defence of the victim, Sam White said Millington-Draper was 'of previous good character' and is 'callow', meaning inexperienced, immature, and lacking in adult judgement.
Mr White said Millington-Draper has had some 'very harsh' experiences very young and is a 'guarded individual', which is a 'defence mechanism.'
The court heard he 'knows he needs punishment' and pleaded guilty immediately at the first opportunity to both offences.
Mr White said Millington-Draper 'doesn't shy away' from taking responsibility for his actions, is 'clearly showing remorse' and is 'deeply regretful.'
When sentencing, magistrates said: "We are really concerned about what you have done.
"It is so wrong on so many levels."
The court heard that due to the 'seriousness of the offence', Millington-Draper will serve a community order of 18 months.
This includes 75 hours of unpaid work, 60 days of alcohol abstinence, ankle monitoring, and 30 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
Millington-Draper must also pay £200 in compensation to the victim, and the scythe will be forfeited and destroyed.
The magistrates added: "This is a warning for you, please heed it."
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