Man Threatens to “Slice Up” Friend in Drunken Rage

Last Updated: October 12, 2024

Image
James Knight (Image: South Wales Police)

In a shocking incident, James Knight, 35, from Skewen, Neath, made alarming threats to kill a friend and burn down his house with his family inside. Knight was later found wandering the streets carrying a machete while intoxicated.

The court heard that on 4 September, Knight made threatening phone calls to Craig Richardson, followed by menacing voicemails. Police later apprehended Knight in Skewen, where he was found armed and in possession of cannabis.

Knight’s advocate, Anthony O’Connell, told Swansea Crown Court, “There were high points and low points in their friendship and times when they were very close and times when they were less close”. He added that the threats were made during a “less close” period.

Judge Paul Hobson described Knight’s actions as “disturbing”, noting he had been “wandering the streets angry, drunk, and drugged-up, and carrying a machete”.

Knight pleaded guilty to making threats to kill, threatening to damage property, possession of a bladed article, and possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison.