Caravan dweller's threat to have Morley residents killed after anti-social behaviour complaints, Leeds Crown Court told

Jade Edwards, prosecuting, said residents had a number of problems with anti-social behaviour after 20-year-old Joe Coates moved his caravan on to Chalner Close, Morley, in July.

Miss Edwards there were problems with visitors' dangerous and inconsiderate driving.

Coates flew into a rage when a resident and his son confronted him after one of his friends drove over a garden and almost knocked someone down.

Miss Edwards said: "On the morning of November 13 one of the defendant's friends almost ran over a resident by driving over a garden instead of the road."

The court heard a resident and his son approached Coates and told him to leave the area.

Coates became aggressive, abusive and threatening.

Miss Edwards said Coates said: "I'm going to get the boys down to kill you and your wife."

Coates made repeated threats to stab residents and damage their vehicles.

The court was shown mobile phone footage filmed by a resident of some of the threats and abuse.

Coates, of Chalner Close, Morley, admitted making threats to damage property and a public order offence.

He committed the offences while subject to an 18 month prison sentence suspended for 24 months, which was imposed in September 2019 for an offence of burglary.

Ian Hudson, mitigating, said Coates had spent a significant amount of time in care.

Mr Hudson said Coates had done some work as a plasterer but had got involved with the wrong crowd before carrying out the burglary.

Mr Hudson said: "He is remorseful. It was a hot temper, He said things he didn't mean and he apologises for that."

Judge Robin Mairs sentenced Coates to 17 months detention in a young offender institution.

Judge Mairs said: "The fear engendered in them, was genuine. They refused to provide witness statements, such was their fear.

"These were threats that you meant to be taken seriously and were taken seriously by them."