Brian Armstrong, 55, told his son ‘come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough’ and later stood in front of his car and waved a knife over his head
A father threatened to “stab up” his son and later waved a kitchen knife at him after encountering him in the street. He also left messages on his son’s phone saying “come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough”.
Brian Armstrong, 55, had fallen out with his son, Lee Bowen, as well as his daughter and ex-partner and was described as acting “aggressively” towards them. On August 30, 2023, Mr Bowen received five voice messages from his father.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Wednesday, November 5, heard the first voicemail from Armstrong said: “Taking the f****** p***, that’s the last time. Next time I see you I’m going to stab you up”. For the latest court reports sign up to our crime newsletter.
During the messages, the defendant told his victim he “didn’t have the balls” and “let’s have a go if you think you’re hard enough, you f****** w*****”.
He added: “Anyone of you c**** want to have a go, I’m standing outside if you want to come down, come and have a go if you think you’re hard enough, come on then you f****** w******.”
The last message said: “Not so f****** hard now are you, do you want my f****** address, come up any f****** time. Who the f*** do you think you are threatening me you f****** idiot”.
Later that day, Mr Bowen was in a car in Commercial Street, Newport, with his partner and sister when they came across Armstrong.
The defendant was intoxicated and stood in front of the vehicle before kicking it.
The victim got out of the car and Armstrong lunged at his son before taking out a kitchen knife and waving it over his head.
Mr Bowen got back into the car and his partner drove away but the defendant continued to wave the knife in their direction.
The police were called and the knife was located in the defendant’s pocket when he was arrested.
Armstrong, of Campion Close, Newport, later pleaded guilty to affray, possession of a bladed article, and sending a communication threatening death or serious harm.
The court heard he had 29 previous convictions, the latest being drunk and disorderly behaviour.
In a victim personal statement read to the court by prosecutor Tabitha Walker, Mr Bowen said: “Since the incident I have felt quite on edge when I am out and find myself looking over my shoulder. I am concerned (Armstrong) may be released and will pose a significant threat to me and my family. I do believe he’s capable of seriously assaulting someone.
“There have been multiple incidents in the past, none of which have been positive and many of them have been unpleasant with him acting aggressively towards myself, my family, my friends and even strangers.”
In mitigation, William Bebb said his client was “gutted and devastated” by the incident, which was described as “impulsive and unsophisticated”.
The defence barrister said this was the defendant’s first offence in five years and the defendant had issues with alcohol which had “plagued him”
Judge Shomon Khan sentenced Armstrong to a total of nine months imprisonment and made him subject to a restraining order for three years.
Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here. We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice.
