Mentally-ill builder trashes car

A builder with mental health issues armed himself and smashed up a car before making threats to a man he claimed he was in dispute with, a court has heard.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Dec 2016, 10:48 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2016, 14:18 BST
Deputy District Judge James Hatton called the incident 'frightening'.Deputy District Judge James Hatton called the incident 'frightening'.
Deputy District Judge James Hatton called the incident 'frightening'.

James Christopher Harris, a 50-year-old builder appeared before Burnley Magistrates' Court, which was told how he lost his temper in the frightening incident at Brierfield, on November 14th.

Harris, who has been out of trouble since 1991, was given a 16-week curfew between 8pm and 7am and must pay £170 in costs and compensation.

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The defendant, of Bentley Street, Nelson, admitted to using threatening, abusive, or insulting words or behaviour, and damaging the Range Rover, said to be to the tune of £1,000.

A probation officer who interviewed Harris said he had bi-polar disorder and various mental health issues which had spanned over 30 years for which he has received support.

Working as a full-time builder, there were some days when Harris allegedly struggled to function, yet the defendant had not offended for the last 25 years.

The officer said: "Everything just came to boiling point and he just lost it. He said he was waiting on his doorstep for the police to arrive, expecting them to do so."

Deputy District Judge James Hatton told the defendant: "It was a frightening incident for the individual. I have no doubt he took the threats that you made very seriously indeed."