Man handed suspended sentence for threatening to “stab and shoot” housing officer in Blackburn

The Lancashire Telegraph reports on the sentencing of a man for racially abusing a housing officer during a routine visit to a property owned and managed by Twin Valley Homes in Blackburn.

Amjed Ali Sadagar, an anti-social behaviour officer for Twin Valley, was paying a routine visit to a property in Ruthin Close, Blackburn when he was racially abused by Ian Davies who threatened to shoot and stab him.

Davies, 57, suggested Mr Sadagar was “a member of ISIS” and told him to “go back to your own country.”

Prosecutor Catherine Allan told Blackburn magistrates court Davies had been drunk at the time of the offence.

She told the court, Davies “chased after Mr Sadagar threatening to stab him with a knife and saying he would shoot him.”

“Mr Sadagar was on the phone to the police and much of what was said was heard by them.”

Mr Sadagar was left “in fear for his life,” she added.

Davies pleaded guilty to racially aggravated threatening behaviour.

His defence counsel said Mr Davies had been drinking on the day because it marked “the anniversary of the death of a close friend.”

Mr Davies’ solicitor, Imran Hussain, told the court his client “accepts his behaviour caused a high amount of distress for the victim and was totally unacceptable.”

Blackburn magistrates’ court sentenced Mr Davies to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered him to complete 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement and 80 hours unpaid work.

Mr Davies was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Mr Sadagar, £115 victim surcharge and £85 costs.