A resident of a homes” target=”_blank”>house share put a knife to his housemate’s throat and threatened to kill him after complaining about the noise.
Philip McClarty, 39, appeared by video link in Bolton Crown Court to be sentenced for grievous bodily harm, threatening with an offensive weapon and assaulting an emergency worker.
He had assaulted his housemate, Thomas McGregor-Bryden, as well as police officers called to the address on Duke Street on July 6, 2023.
Anna Bond, prosecuting, read a victim statement from Mr McGregor-Bryden which said: “I can’t believe what’s happened tonight.
“I don’t want him to come back to the address – he said he will come and get me.
“I no longer feel safe in this house, he can get in whenever he wants.
“What he has done to me will affect me for the rest of my life.”
The court heard that McClarty had been in a “very loud” argument with his girlfriend which began at approximately 10 pm.
Ms Bond said: “After some time, the neighbours complained about the noise and Mr McGregor-Bryden shouted up to the defendant.
“The defendant came down the stairs and used force to break down the door, he then made his way into the bedroom.
“He put a knife to his throat and then they were laughing at the situation. He then lunged at him using the knife and swinging it, causing injuries to his arm.
“The defendant then turned his attention towards another resident of the address, Mr Shamsi.
“He was in the room with the door locked, the defendant kicked down the door, forcing it open and put a knife to his throat and made threats to him.”
The case was heard at Bolton Crown Court (Image: Newsquest) Ms Bond told the court that after police arrived, McClarty was agitated and did not want to let them in.
She said: “They saw Mr McGregor-Bryen with blood on him, so the police explained they had to come in to check that everything was ok.
“The defendant began to shout at them for doing so, and created a bar to stop them from entering.
“He became irate and pushed back saying ‘come on then’.”
The court heard how McClarty had “lunged towards the officers”, throwing punches until they were finally able to subdue him.
Mark Friend, defending, said: “So far as the facts themselves are concerned, recognise that it was a time when he was experiencing significant personal difficulties.
“He was drinking far more than he should have been, and it is clear that he has had both difficulties with drugs and alcohol.
“He is doing his best to prepare for a more structured and stable life.
“He is someone with a learning difficulty, he is diagnosed with autism and Asperger’s and in the last years he has suffered tragedy.
“The loss of his brother, who was subject to an attack two years ago.
“The efforts he has made will stand him in good stead.
“He was on bail for a considerable amount of time with no issue so he can lead a socially responsible life.”
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Judge Martin Walsh who heard the case said: “You were armed with a knife, had a knife to his throat, and lunged at him, using the knife by swinging it.
“The consequences could have been catastrophic.
“This is an offence that was serious in that it was committed with a knife.”
Judge Walsh sentenced McClarty to a total of 30 months, with at least half spent in custody and including the time he has already spent in prison.