FERRYHILL MAN SENT SNAPCHAT MESSAGE THREATENED TO RAPE WOMAN
An immature young man who threatened to rape a woman when he sent a vile Snapchat message has been given a suspended prison sentence.The 21-year-old, Kurt Elliott, was under the influence of cocaine and alcohol when he sent the appalling voice note to his victim, Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court heard.
The complainant knew the defendant but had no trouble with him when he made the threat.
According to prosecutor Yetunde Alake, “The victim received the message on Snapchat when the defendant said - ‘I will rape ya, you will like that won’t ya?’.
The woman was left upset and distressed by the message.
Elliott pleaded guilty to sending a communication that conveyed a threat of serious harm on January 23 last year.
Mitigating lawyer John Clish said his client lacked maturity but now understands the impact of his behaviour after sending the message while under the influence.
He added: “He does present as quite immature through his mannerisms and how he expresses himself.
He was acting out of immaturity rather than out of a sinister intention.” Magistrates’ chairman William Unsworth said: “We think that the custody threshold has been stepped over.
The sentence will be 12 weeks suspended for 18 months.
Elliott was also ordered to attend 30 rehabilitation activity days and to follow a six-month drug treatment programme.
He must pay £250 in compensation to the victim and £239 in court costs.
Mr Unsworth emphasized that threatening someone with rape is very serious and urged him to “grow up and grow up fast.”
