Bristol cyclist jailed for knife threats

A cyclist who rode around Bristol threatening to "cut up" teenagers with kitchen knives has been jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Robert Hazell, who has changed his name and insists on being called Robert Y, threatened several youngsters as well as a Phipps Street resident, Bristol Crown Court heard.

When he was threatened with a police Tazer stun gun he allowed himself to be handcuffed, but smeared his cell with excrement when taken to a police cell.

Y, 47, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to three charges of having an offensive weapon, three charges of using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour and a further charge of causing criminal damage.

Imposing the jail term, the recorder Mr Selfe told him: "The possession of knives in public places is leading to considerable public disquiet.

"Knife offences have to be treated seriously. Nearly every aggravating feature available for a knife offence is there. You were threatening young children in a children's play area but I accept you didn't use the knives to inflict injury."

Susan Cavender, prosecuting, told the court that in May last year Y rode his bicycle up to a group of 15 and 16 year olds in south Bristol, looking at them "oddly", and went away.

Ten minutes later he re-appeared, asking them of they were "the kids from Dean Lane" and, producing a carving knife, told a 15-year-old child he was going to cut him up.

The court heard the youths were extremely frightened and fled, and they saw Y drop two knives as he cycled after them.

One lad later identified Y at a video identity parade.

In a second incident Y approached another group of youths, again asking them if they were from Dean Lane, and threatened to slash a child's throat.

The boy picked out Y at a video ID parade.

An hour later Y threatened Christopher Lane, the court heard, and police were called in.

Although Y succumbed to arrest when threatened with a stun gun, he carried out a dirty protest in custody.

The court heard he had previous convictions for assault occasioning actual bodily harm, public order offences and possessing a blade.

Tabitha Macfarlane, defending, said her client was beaten by his father as a child and started using heroin aged nine.

She said: "He can't remember doing it; he said his girlfriend Janet told him he did it.

"He's had an incredibly hard life and will probably continue to do so."