DANIEL SHANNON CHRISTIE THREATENS WITNESS IN CARLISLE POLICE INVESTIGATION
Daniel Shannon Christie, a 34-year-old man from Carlisle, found himself embroiled in serious legal trouble after a series of actions that escalated the tension surrounding a police investigation.The incident unfolded shortly after he was released on police bail, which was granted while authorities looked into allegations of harassment made against him.
The Carlisle’s Rickergate Magistrates’ Court heard that Christie had been under police investigation since March 24, when he was released from custody pending further inquiries.
However, the very next day, Christie took to the internet to post a video on a website called The Real Fight Club, in which he issued threats directed at an individual who was an alleged victim in the ongoing investigation.
The court was informed that the man Christie threatened was directly connected to the case, and his actions appeared to be an attempt to intimidate the witness involved.
Prosecutor Diane Jackson outlined the details of the case, emphasizing that Christie, of John Robert Gardens in Carlisle, admitted to witness intimidation during the hearing.
She explained that Christie’s threats were made publicly online, and that they caused significant concern for the safety and well-being of the alleged victim.
Mrs.
Jackson stated, “In the video, he said that if he saw [the witness] in the street he would knock his chins off.
He made reference to being arrested and to the police investigation.
[The witness] feels intimidated by the threats and is fearful that he will be assaulted.” Jackson further highlighted that Christie’s criminal record was not extensive but included a notable conviction in September 2017 for battery.
In that incident, he punched his mother in the face, an offence for which he received a suspended jail sentence of 18 months.
The suspension period concluded on March 25, just a day after Christie posted the threatening video.
Defence lawyer Mark Shepherd provided context for Christie’s actions, explaining that the incident stemmed from a heated exchange involving a series of text messages.
On March 22, Christie was attending a funeral when he received multiple messages from the alleged victim.
In response, Christie sent a text explaining he was at a funeral and would speak later.
Despite this, the victim continued to ring him repeatedly, prompting Christie to send a threatening message about taking a baseball bat to his mother’s head.
This exchange was reportedly overheard by witnesses at the Harraby Catholic Club, where Christie’s phone was on loudspeaker.
Mr.
Shepherd described the situation as emotionally charged, with strong feelings on both sides of the dispute.
He requested that the court grant Christie bail, with the condition that he be prohibited from uploading videos to any social media platforms, citing concerns about the influence of the online threats.
The lawyer also noted that some witnesses against Christie were known to the police, and acknowledged that Christie recognized the gravity of his mistake in posting the threatening video, understanding that he would now face justice in the Crown Court.
District Judge Gerald Chalk responded to the seriousness of the offence, stating that it warranted a sentencing hearing before a Crown Court judge.
As a result, Christie was remanded in custody until the scheduled hearing on May 1, where the full extent of his legal consequences will be determined.
