A KNIFE-WIELDING thug threatened a couple in Cleator Moor after arriving at their home to demand money for work that was never done.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that 20-year-old Corey Williams, whose criminal record includes offences of serious violence, appeared to be “off his head” when he arrived at the couple’s home on Monday, October 12.

His speech was slurred and he appeared to be drunk.

The defendant, of Birks Road, Cleator Moor, pleaded guilty to affray and illegally possessing a knife in a public place.

Tim Evans, prosecuting, described how it was early evening when Williams arrived at the couple’s home in Aldby Street, Cleator Moor and began banging on their door.

Two weeks previously, a relative of the defendant had visited the same house to price up work on the kitchen.

Williams was asking for money – despite the couple having only ever getting an estimate for the work, said Mr Evans.

The barrister said: “Mr Williams lifted his top as if to grab something from his waistband.”

The woman who answered the door shouted: “Corey’s got a knife” as she slammed the door shut.

Moments later, Williams pushed the nine-inch long blade of his knife through the letterbox and made “stabbing motions” with it, said the barrister.

When the police arrived, Williams fled, running towards some nearby fields. As he did this, he discarded the knife.

The defendant later told the couple that he was going to put their windows out and smashed a vase.

He said to the householder: “If you’re not going to pay me, fight.”

In her victim personal statement, the woman who lives at the house said that she now felt uneasy whenever she opens the front door.

What happened that day had left her feeling anxious and frightened. She also feared repercussions in the future.

Her partner also made a statement.

He said: “I don’t don’t expect to be in my own home and and see someone pulling a knife out and making threats.”

He said he had never had an experience like it.

Kim Whittlestone, for Williams, accepted the defendant had an unenviable record, with offences of robbery and violence. When on medication, and supported, he was polite and engaged well, said the barrister.

“When he’s out in the community he struggles and turns to alcohol and other substances,” added Miss Whittlestone.

Recorder Mark Rhind told Williams: “It was a senseless, pathetic offence but nonetheless it was seriously upsetting and worrying for the people whom you were threatening.”

The judge said background reports on Williams were a “depressing read”. He noted that Williams could be polite and engaging and said that he had a capacity to sort himself out. But when he persistently offends and engages in violence, he was a thorough nuisance, remarked the judge.

If he is determined to carry on down the road of committing offences his sentences will get longer and longer, added the judge.

He jailed Williams for ten-and-a-half months.