MAN BACK BEHIND BARS AFTER THREATENING EX-PARTNER WITH BASEBALL BAT AND HAMMER
A MAN previously jailed and dubbed a 'dangerous sexual predator' is back behind bars for harassing his ex-partner and threatening him with two weapons while in a 'jealous rage'.Craig Berry, now aged 44, initially had a platonic friendship with the man which developed into a romantic relationship, Carlisle Crown Court was told.
“It was of brief duration, certainly as far as (the victim) was concerned,” said prosecutor Brendan Burke.
But before the man called time on the relationship, last autumn, Berry began accusing him of supposed infidelity and making demands to see his mobile phone.
Over a number of days in September, Berry repeatedly called the man, sent him messages and made further accusations of infidelity.
There was then an incident at an address in Carlisle after he had taken the man’s phone.
“It was at that point, in a jealous rage, that the defendant picked up a wooden baseball bat, threatening (the man), telling him to turn around so he could hit him in the knees,” said Mr Burke.
“He then grabbed a hammer, threatening him, swinging it around, saying he was going to hit him with that; all the while blocking (the man’s) exit route from the address, saying ‘I can’t let you leave without hurting you’.
“He was just too frightened to leave.” Berry did eventually calm down.
He returned the man’s phone and allowed him to leave the house.
Berry sent messages of apology but the man did not want to speak with him.
Three days later, Berry followed the man home from a gym.
Thereafter, Berry ignored requests from the man’s mother to leave him alone, banging on a door and shouting for him to answer.
After Berry made more threats of violence, the man reported his conduct during a visit to Durranhill police station in Carlisle.
Berry, previously of Workington and latterly of Carlisle, later admitted harassment without violence, and two counts of threatening his victim with offensive weapons in a private place.
The court heard he had since been recalled to prison to serve the remainder of a 10-year jail term.
This was a punishment handed down in 2017 after a jury convicted him of engaging in sexual activity with a male child.
A detective had said after he was sentenced: “Craig Berry is a dangerous sexual predator who isolated his victim in order to carry out his attacks.” He is due to be released from custody in June of 2027.
For the harassment and weapons threat crimes, Berry was given an immediate 15-month prison sentence.
This will be served alongside the remainder of his 2017 term.
“Regrettably you were unable to take no for an answer,” said sentencing judge, Recorder Julian Shaw of the relationship break-up.
A five-year restraining order was imposed.
This bans Berry from making any contact with the man, and going within half a mile of his home address.
