Threats man is spared prison

Christopher Legge, 21, verbally abused the woman on a number of occasions and even threatened to stab her young daughter before killing her.

The woman, whom The Northern Echo has decided not to name, was so distraught by Legge's actions that she was prescribed anti-depressants and had to have a personal attack alarm installed following the incidents, which took place between March and July.

Teesside Crown Court was told that Legge was a friend of the victim's brother and had been living at their family home in Darlington before he was asked to leave.

Legge took the decision badly and began harassing the woman, the court heard.

The first incident took place in March when he grabbed her in Melsonby Crescent, Darlington and said: "I am going to kill you." He then threatened to find her on a dark night and stab her daughter before killing her.

On March 28, there was another altercation in Harris Street, Darlington, and Legge told his frightened victim he was going to kill her if she did not drop the charges against him.

In June, the pair were travelling on the same bus when Legge tapped the young mother on the shoulder, said he was going to kill her, before moving his finger across his neck as if to pretend he was slitting his throat.

On another occasion, Legge turned up at her home and threatened to burn the house down.

Legge, of Barden Moor Road, Firth Moor, Darlington pleaded guilty yesterday to putting a person in fear of violence.

Dan Cordey, defending, said: "This is very much a subdued man. It is his first time in custody. He has had a short, sharp shock, which has brought him to his senses."

Judge George Moorhouse said: "Because of what you have been doing to her, harassing her, it has had a serious effect upon her. I am pleased to see you have learnt your lesson whilst in custody."

Legge was given a 12-month community punishment order and was made subject to a restraining order banning him from approaching the woman.