Axe-wielding OAP threatens to kill man

ROBERTS, 68, TERRIFIED DOG WALKER, COURT HEARS

- By ROB KENNEDY Reporter [e-mail]

AN axe-wielding pensioner threatened to kill a bemused dog walker, a court heard.

The 48-year-old victim was walking his dog on Valley Dene, Chopwell, Gateshead, around 4pm on March 28, when he was confronted out of the blue by 68-year-old David Roberts, who was making wild and untrue allegations based on a misunderstanding.

Prosecutor Kevin Wardlaw told Newcastle Crown Court the only previous issues the victim has had while walking his dog was months earlier when another dog was aggressive towards him and his pet. Mr Wardlaw said there had been no other issues and nothing had happened on the day of the offence.

The victim walked past Roberts, who, despite there having been no previous contact with him, started shouted at him from a car before driving off. The victim was confused because he didn’t hear what had been shouted and he spoke to two women who were in the area.

Mr Wardlaw said: “The two women said the defendant accused him of hitting a woman with a dog lead. This is not true.

“The defendant returned and walked towards him and threatened him, saying ‘If I see you or your dog especially on the field I will kill you both! He pulled out an axe from his coat and held it near his shoulder, repeatedly threatening to kill him and his dog.