THE break up of a relationship led to an uncharacteristic outburst of violence when a 19-year-old threatened his mother with a knife.

A court heard how David Hing, of Regents Place, Trowbridge, flew into a rage in March at his mother's home in the town.

Magistrates in Chippenham were told how Hing was clearing out his room at his mother's home shortly after his relationship with his girlfriend ended.

Prosecuting, Rhys Davies said: "David had been playing music quite loud in his room in his mother's home. She had asked him to turn it down and he had done so.

"Later when he was carrying some of his stuff down the stairs he dropped something and this seemed to be the trigger that sent him into a rage.

"He was screaming and shouting at his mother following her through the house and eventually outside into the garden. She was very scared.

"At one point he came up to her face and then asked his brother to get him a knife from the kitchen.

"He picked one up and threatened to slit his throat saying he wanted to end it all.

"He then picked up a bigger knife and threatened to stab people, namely the people in the room, his mother and brother, and police. He was shouting a lot by this point."

When police officers arrived Hing would not calm down and they had to shoot him twice with a tazer stun gun. The metal probes did not pierce his skin and he escaped the 50,000-volt charge.

Hing pleaded guilty to using and threatening unlawful violence at a previous hearing on April 16.

Defending, Michael Jeary said: "David showed remorse as soon as he was taken into custody and co-operated with police.

"He realised he had put people in fear of their life and will think twice about using a knife as a prop in the future.

"He should think himself lucky he did not get the full effect of the tazer, which spared him some discomfort.

"He has sought help for his emotional problems and has no previous convictions."

The lead magistrate, Mrs Hawker, said: "It was a very serious offence but you appear to be making amends. You have the support of your mother and you are starting a new job.

"We understand that the break up of your relationship made you upset but you need to learn to control your anger."

He was sentenced to an 18-month community order to do 80 hours of unpaid work, attend an anger management programme and take part in a supervision order. He was also ordered to pay costs of £45.

10:01am Wednesday 14th May 2008

Print

Email this