A MAN who confronted his mother’s landlord armed with a 12-inch knife, over a rent dispute, has been told he will avoid an immediate jail sentence.
Adam Holland, now of Bolingbroke Heights, Flint, was described as being “off his head” when he confronted victim David Williams outside a pub in northern Powys on September 9, 2023.
Holland, 30, who was living with his mother at a property owned by Mr Williams at the time, brandished the knife and reportedly acted aggressively towards him, after he visited their home earlier in the day, asking when they were moving out.
Caernarfon Crown Court heard on Tuesday, July 1, that Mr Williams, had issued an eviction notice to Holland and his mother, as they had not paid their rent in six months.
The court was told Holland had spent his life protecting his mother and that his actions on this date were misguided and “frankly ridiculous”.
The incident happened outside the New Inn pub, in Llangynog, near Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant.
Catherine Elvin, prosecuting, said: “Mr Williams attended the property and asked when they would be vacating. The defendant told him they’d be leaving that Sunday.
“Mr Williams left and returned to the area later to carry on his business at the New Inn, located across from the defendant’s property.
“When he exited his car, the defendant approached on foot. He walked over carrying a 12” knife in his right hand.
Adam Holland was spared immeidate custody at Caernarfon Crown Court. (Image: Google Street View)
“Mr Williams shielded himself behind his car door. The defendant was waving his arms, one metre away, and told him ‘I will have you’.
“Mr Williams was very scared and genuinely believed he was going to be stabbed."
Mr Williams said the defendant was "off his head" and said he told him to "f*** off".
“The defendant kicked his car bumper and told him ‘I’ll be back to slash your tyres’, adding that he would ‘smash his place up’,” Ms Elvin added.
She said Holland walked away and Mr Williams phoned the police.
“The defendant denied having a knife in interview, he said it was a garden pole, for his own protection,” added Ms Elvin.
She said Mr Williams did not wish to provide a victim impact statement and added that Holland had no previous convictions.
Holland initially denied any wrongdoing, but admitted threatening Mr Williams with a bladed article and criminal damage on June 3.
The court previously heard that jobless Holland suffers with his mental health and anxiety and was also very protective of his mother, following a traumatic childhood.
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Dafydd Roberts, representing Holland, told Judge Nicola Jones: “From the trauma he suffered as a child, what he witnessed, he clearly perceived this as a further threat to his mother.
“Regardless, his actions were entirely inappropriate and he is utterly ashamed of what he’s done.”
Judge Jones told Holland: “You had a knife, a very dangerous weapon.
“You have spent your life protecting your mother, but on this occasion it was misguided and frankly ridiculous.”
She handed Holland a nine-month jail term, which she suspended for 12 months.
He must complete 10 rehabilitation activity days and 100 hours of unpaid work.
She ordered no separate penalty for the criminal damage, nor compensation or costs, because Holland is “essentially destitute”, but made a deprivation order on the knife and told him he must pay a £187 surcharge.