Denbigh Man Jailed for Threatening Neighbour With Weapons

A Denbigh man has been sentenced to 10 months in prison after threatening to kill his neighbour whilst armed with a knife and chisel during a mental health crisis.

Andrew Phipps, 57, of Bron-y-Crest, appeared at Caernarfon Crown Court where he admitted making threats to kill, criminal damage and affray following the incident on 23rd March 2025.

The court heard that Phipps’ neighbour of 10 years had visited his flat with some milk but became concerned when she saw knives on the floor and noticed Phipps seemed confused, making her coffee with no coffee in it.

After she left, Phipps came outside and said: “I am going to kill you,” prosecutor Richard Edwards told the court. Phipps also said he was going to “kill himself and other people” before arming himself with what appeared to be a knife and chisel.

He then went to the victim’s front door where he stabbed at it and banged whilst continuing to shout: “I’m going to kill you.” The victim also witnessed Phipps arguing with others and waving the weapons whilst banging on other residents’ doors.

Defence barrister Joshua Gorst said Phipps had entered early guilty pleas and was “a man with many mental health challenges” who had been suffering from mental health problems at the time. He also has diabetes and learning difficulties and had been remanded in custody for more than four months, losing his property as a result.

Judge Nicola Jones sentenced Phipps to 10 months in prison, noting the offences had “frightened” the victim. She said: “It was clear you were in the throes of a relapse of mental health issues.”

Phipps will serve up to half his sentence in custody with the remainder on licence. A five-year restraining order prevents him from contacting the victim, and a forfeiture order was made for the seized items.