PRESTON MAN JAILED AFTER THREATENING TO SHOOT AND SLASH WOMAN
A woman from Preston was left fearing for her life after being threatened by Patrick Clifford, 31, who vowed to shoot her and slash her face.Clifford was sentenced to 12 months in jail for making these threats.
According to Preston Crown Court, the victim and a friend had previously stolen £300 from a car parked on a pub car park and had agreed on a repayment plan.
However, on August 4 of the previous year, Clifford encountered the women on Barry Avenue and became aggressive, asking where they were going.
When they responded they were going to buy drugs, Clifford told them to return once they had purchased them.
Later, he instructed them to return to him and threatened: "Somebody pays the bill tonight or I'm going home and getting my bastard gun and I'm coming back.
"Whoever gets in my way is getting it today." He later called the woman, warning her: "If you don't have my money by tomorrow I will turn nasty," and further threatened: "If you don't have my money in the next hour I will come and slash your face." The victim was so frightened she contacted police, fearing Clifford might carry out his threats.
Clifford, of Tag Croft, pleaded guilty to threatening to kill and was remanded in custody at HMP Preston, where he has had no difficulties and has reconnected with his daughter.
He spends his time in the gym helping others.
Judge Andrew Woolman sentenced him to 12 months and imposed a two-year restraining order to keep him away from the victim.
The judge highlighted the seriousness of threats, even if not intended to be carried out, emphasizing the impact such threats have on victims and emphasizing that threats of violence are always a grave matter.
