1 week Ago By [email protected] (Duncan Browne)
A teenager who brandished a knife and told a man he’d ‘chop you into bits’ told a court he has cut alcohol and cocaine out of his life. Nineteen-year-old Joshua Phipps - who also pulled a crowbar from his jogging bottoms and waved it at another man two months later - pleaded guilty to four charges when he appeared at Boston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (April 9). Phipps - who is said to have the IQ of an 11-year-old - admitted possessing a blade and committing common assault and assault by beating at Crease Drove, Crowland , on January 6.
He also pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place on March 6. Reflecting on the January 6 incidents, prosecutor Turan Sunat said: “The victim was at work at Crowland Cranes when he heard the defendant outside shouting at females. “(When approached by the victim) he (Phipps) took a Stanley knife out his pocket and said ‘you want some? I’ve got a knife and I’ll chop you into bits.
Did you call the police? I’ll find your family and cut you’.” Mr Sunat said Phipps then pushed the victim in the chest before the defendant began crying. “He continued to push the victim, who was in fear the defendant would seriously hurt someone.
” The second incident took place on Harvester Way two months later when a motorist noticed the defendant pull a crowbar from his joggers. “He started waving it around and the victim felt intimidated,” Mr Turan added, stating Phipps appeared ‘intoxicated’. In defence, Mike Alexander said his client was a ‘young person in a bit of a crisis’ who ‘reacted awfully’.
“His carer told me he has a mental age at least 10 years younger than his physical age. “His IQ is very low. An 11-year-old’s IQ is around 65 to 75, and his is 70.
” After seeking medical advice, Mr Alexander also mentioned a doctor confirmed Phipps was ‘deemed fit to enter a plea, but with the caveat he has severe learning difficulties’. Mr Alexander said his client ‘lost his temper’ and ‘threw his teddies out the pram’ when dealing with a group of girls on January 6. “The threat level was not as high as it first appeared,” he said.
“There was a lot of posturing and tears and tantrums. He has instabilities in his life.” Reflecting on the crowbar incident, Mr Alexander added: “If he believes people are coming for him or his family he’ll arm himself.
“He’s admitted he’s struggled with his temper.” Boston magistrates were told Phipps - who gave an address of Adcocks Avenue, Crowland, but who is currently sofa surfing - has given up using alcohol and cocaine and has cut down on his cannabis intake. Phipps was handed an 18 month community order which includes 40 rehabilitation days and 80 hours of unpaid work.
“If you break the order you could be re-sentenced and that could include prison,” chair of the bench Fiona Randall told Phipps. The defendant was also fined £114 and ordered to pay £85 costs. Magistrates demanded the forfeiture and destruction of the knife and crowbar.
No order was made for compensation..
