Prince’s Trust job offer keeps knifeman out of prison

Judge Christopher Batty told Kyle Baptise the case had posed sentencing difficulties because there was “no doubt” he should be jailed for a “significant period of time”.

The judge added: “What you did that day was an absolute disgrace, threatening to kill that man because he hadn’t got the lead you need for your Freeview (television).”

But he said he accepted Baptise was under stress at the time and he had read “glowing references” about his work with the Prince’s Trust which had made him decide to give him a chance.

“They have been so impressed with the hours you have put in free of charge over the last few years that they are actually offering you a full time job as an ambassador which would be lost if you were locked up.

“It is so far removed from what you did in that shop on that day.”

Baptiste, 26, now of Browning Road, Deighton, Huddersfield, was given 16 months in prison suspended for two years with supervision and a high intensity programme up to 50 days after admitting making a threat to kill and having a bladed article. He was also ordered to pay £500 costs.

Joanne Shepherd, prosecuting, said Mohammed Louchene was working in a shop in Hyde Park Road with a friend on June 23 last year when Baptiste entered and asked about an extension.

He was told everything was out on display and if it was not there they were sold out.

Baptiste started to become aggressive and began shouting that he wanted it to watch television now. He held his hand out pointing his finger in the shape of a gun and said: “I’ll kill you”.

He was asked to leave and threw some washers on the floor as he did and the shopkeeper did not take the threat seriously but about 15 minutes later Baptiste returned and pulled out a knife in the shop.

Mr Louchene grabbed a wrench to protect himself and Baptiste eventually left after a further confrontation outside, but was spotted going into his then address in Alexander Road, Leeds, and the police were informed.

He was arrested and the knife was recovered concealed in a plastic bag on an upstairs landing of the property.

Graham Parkin, for Baptiste, said he realised he needed to change his behaviour when put under stress and was keen to address that with the support of the probation service. The court heard if he was able to take up a full-time post as an ambassador with the Prince’s Trust with a £14,000 salary, he would be able to continue to help others rather than be a burden on the state if he was imprisoned immediately.