Angry victim's threats left police officer afraid violence would be carried out

Mohammed Noor Ali (40) rang Lancashire police and had a rant, concluding it with talking about making sure "the white man is bleeding to death" and saying in America he could be walking round with a gun.

He had also left threatening and abusive messages on the officer's works phone the same day, making him feel vulnerable and afraid the violence would actually be carried out.

Burnley magistrates were told Ali was questioned the next day and claimed when he called the police he thought they had hung up.

Mrs Tracy Yates, prosecuting, told the hearing the defendant, who said he suffered from mental health issues, told police he had been annoyed as he couldn't get hold of the officer.

She continued: "He was upset. He said he did say a few words. He said he had previously had a falling-out with the officer and said things through anger and anxiety. He did not intend to make the officer feel threatened."

Miss Janet Sime, defending Ali, said he would say he had been threatened by drug dealers, he had been asking the police for help and they weren't taking him seriously. She went on: "He feels, particularly, this officer is disrespecting him and his family."

The solicitor said Ali had had to leave home four times, that had caused him a great deal of problems and had not helped with his mental health issues.

Miss Sime continued: "He suffers from anxiety and depression, has serious medical conditions and is in a great deal of pain a lot of the time. On this occasion, when he was asking for help because of the threats to him and his family, he was really in panic mode and just not getting a response. The police officer has left him in a position which means he will have to take action against the police."

The solicitor said: "He's let him down as far as this defendant is concerned and he's leaving this defendant in a very, very vulnerable position. When he's rung he's not getting anywhere. Out of frustration he had a bit of a rant. He didn't know the phone was still live."

The defendant, of Albert Street, Burnley, admitted sending a communication conveying a threatening message, on March 15th. He was given a 12-month conditional discharge and must pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.