A DISTRESSED man who caused terror by brandishing a large knife and making threats to kill on a residential road in Penrith has been given a suspended prison sentence.
James Anthony Fargher, 30, sparked fear on Clifford Close after becoming distressed while staying at his mother’s flat and perceiving he wasn’t getting the help he needed.
Fargher caused damage inside the address before using a piece of broken furniture to badly damage one neighbour’s BMW car. He was photographed by another resident after arming himself with a large kitchen knife and, Carlisle Crown Court was told, could be heard yelling: “I will kill you all.”
Prosecutor Adam Lodge said of an impact statement provided by one neighbour: “She describes this as a terrifying incident in which she believed she was in serious danger.”
Fargher, of The Sands, Appleby, admitted affray, damaging property and illegal knife possession. Two psychiatrists had concluded he was suffering from paranoid schizophrenia.
Kim Whittlestone, defending, said Fargher had been in custody since the incident, adding: “He wants to make it very clear whilst he accepts it was a cry for help, he never had any intent to harm any members of the public. It was aimed at property. He apologises for his actions that day and any distress caused to neighbours.”
Recorder Timothy Hannam QC suspended a 12-month prison term for two years. Fargher must complete a mental health treatment and rehabilitation requirements.
Observing that Fargher had “run amok”, Recorder Hannam said: “Your behaviour that day must have been terrifying to all those who saw it.”