A 12-month jail sentence for a man who threatened to kill a council officer after he received an anti-social behaviour order was welcomed today by crime chiefs.
Brian Birmingham, 24, of Alder Grove, Norton, confessed to thoughts of killing Sharon Carr, then an anti-social behaviour officer in Stockton, after he received a three-year order banning him from the town centre's main shopping areas.
Carolyn Crean, Stockton Council's crime and disorder manager, today said: "We are pleased that this serious breach has resulted in a custodial sentence.
"This sentence sends a clear message that threats against anti-social behaviour staff will not be tolerated."
Birmingham pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.
Dan Cordy, prosecuting, said Birmingham made the statements not to Miss Carr directly, but to his probation officer on May 11. He was concerned about the ASBO imposed by Teesside magistrates on March 18.
Christopher Baker, defending, said Birmingham's motive for the comments was to seek help.
The judge, Recorder Andrew Sutcliffe QC, said Birmingham's remarks clearly caused fear for Sharon Carr's life, and there was no option but to inform police.
He said: "You have made serious threats to kill someone who has been doing her public duty and such behaviour has to be severely punished."
Sharon Carr no longer works as an anti-social behaviour officer for Stockton Council.
