'˜Ring police and I'll chop off your head': Chorley man's chilling threat during argument

Darren John Gaskell, 38, of Lyons Lane, Chorley, made the chilling threats to his mum and stepdad after threatening to chop their heads off, Preston Crown Court heard.

He was given an eight-month jail term but Judge Philip Sycamore suspended it for two years after hearing how he was seeking support.

He was given supervision but warned if he committed another offence he would go straight to prison.

Prosecuting, Stephen Parker said the defendant’s mother Christine Gaskell, and her partner Brian Banister, had been at their home in Silverdale Road, Chorley, on June 29 when Gaskell attended following an argument with his pregnant partner.

He was armed with a large machete and told them the machete was for “clearing undergrowth.”

Mr Parker said: “He was shouting at his mum’s partner, being aggressive and demanding to know where the machete was.

“He made remarks that if he didn’t get the machete he would chop their heads off.

“Mr Banister got it and gave to the defendant and he placed it down the front of his tracksuit trousers. As he left he said: ‘Ring the police and I’ll chop your head off. I’ll cut that baby out of her belly and I’ll stamp on that baby’s head.”

After he left the couple rang police and Gaskell was arrested three hours later. The machete was never found and he told police he had thrown it in a canal.

Defending, Sarah Magill said Gaskell had been drunk because he was celebrating gaining new employment and it descended into an argument. She said Gaskell and his victim intended to stay in a relationship but are banned from living together by social services.

Judge Philip Sycamore said: “You brought this upon yourself. You know the effect drink has on you and you seem unable or unwilling to beat that demon.”