A convicted stalker called police and threatened to hire a “hitman to kill” a female officer he held a grudge against.
Luke Knight, of Otterden Close, Ashford, was said to be “irate” when he twice dialled 999 to rant incoherently about the woman.
During the sinister calls he admitted he wanted revenge on the officer, telling the control room handler “a hitman is going to get the b***h back”.
Knight was quickly arrested and the following day appeared at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court charged with making an offensive or menacing public communication.
Sentencing was adjourned for reports until February 12, when it was revealed the 35-year-old had a previous conviction for stalking in 2022.
Old court documents show there were two victims – a man and a woman – but it was not revealed if the officer at the centre of Knight’s threats was involved in the case.
On that occasion, Knight was given a community order, which included being electronically tagged during a three-month curfew.
On the more recent offences, prosecutor Terry Knox told how Knight twice called 999 in quick succession on December 12 last year.
“The first one was at 11.26pm and he was irate and started shouting that he would get a ‘hitman to do the killings’,” he explained.
“Then three minutes later he called again and this time he said he would be spitting blood on an officer, and this was about an officer he’d had issues with.
“He then said ‘I’m taking her down with me’ and again said ‘a hitman is going to get the b***h back’.”
The prosecutor said the call handler in the police control room told Knight the conversation was being recorded.
“He replied, ‘Yes, I know, that’s why I am saying it’,” Mr Knox added.
“In interview, he admitted he wanted revenge [on the officer].”
The call handler also gave a victim impact statement which was read out during the hearing.
She said she was shocked by the threats Knight made against the female officer, who he named in person, adding that she should not have to endure such behaviour in the course of her work.
Magistrates were told Knight was remorseful and had not wanted to put anyone in fear.
They placed him on a 12-month community order which will see him complete 20 rehabilitation sessions with probation and pay £150 compensation to the call handler for the distress he caused her.
He was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £114 and £85 court costs, which he will pay at £20 a month as he receives benefits.
It was never stated during the hearing what had triggered Knight to threaten revenge on the officer.
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