A man who sent death threats, a knife-carrying shoplifter and a bike thief are among people who appeared in court recently.
The following is a snapshot of cases heard at St Albans Magistrates' Court between August 14 and August 24 which involved Watford-area residents or crimes that took place in the town.
Watford man sent stabbing and death threats
Andrew Pooley, 41, of Ridge Street in Watford, pleaded guilty to two offences of sending communications threatening death or serious harm.
According to court records, on March 20 Pooley sent messages threatening violence, including: "I'm gunna go get him, he's gunna get a stab in the throat he's not gunna live", "I'm going to kill him" and "I'll even lynch his mum".
Pooley was given a 12-month conditional discharge for both offences and ordered to pay a total of £100 compensation to the victim.
Watford knife carrier stole alcopop from petrol station
Thomas Ince, 18, of Trinity Hall Close in Watford, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and shop theft.
Court records state that on June 7, Ince was found carrying a Rambo-style knife in a public place, namely The Harebreaks in Watford, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
On the same day, he stole a large bottle of Blue WKD from an Esso Garage in Watford.
Magistrates said the knife offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified.
Ince was sentenced to 16 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete up to 20 days of rehabilitation activities as part of a suspended sentence order.
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Leavesden man remanded after assault and arson threat
Michael Watson, 38, of Cheshire Drive in Leavesden, pleaded guilty to assault by beating and threatening to destroy property.
Court documents state that on July 26, Watson assaulted a woman in Abbots Langley.
On the same date, he also threatened that he would burn down a flat belonging to the same woman, intending that they would fear the threat would be carried out.
He was remanded in custody ahead of sentencing after magistrates concluded there were concerns he was likely to commit further offences causing injury, or fear of injury, to an associated person.
The case was adjourned for a pre-sentence report to be prepared.
Teen caught carrying machete-style knife in Watford
A 17-year-old boy pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article in a public place.
The teenager, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was found carrying a machete-style knife on Whippendell Road in Watford on April 19 last year.
The 17-year-old was made subject to an eight-month referral order, requiring him to work with a youth offender panel. He was also ordered to pay a £26 victim surcharge.
Watford man ordered to repay £500 after bike theft
Frank Brinkley, 25, of Latimer Close in Watford, pleaded guilty to stealing a bicycle and shoplifting.
On August 21 last year, Brinkley stole a pedal cycle worth £500 in St Albans.
Nine days later, on August 30, he stole chocolate and noodles worth £10.90 from a Co-op store in St Albans.
He was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the owner of the stolen bicycle. No separate penalty was imposed for the shop theft because priority was given to compensation on the more serious offence.
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