Knifeman threatened to stab neighbour to death in Beeston street after she recorded him making 'racial slurs'

A man threatened to stab his neighbour to death in a street in Leeds after she recorded him shouting "racial slurs" at her during a long-running dispute.
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Stephen Brownsword was arrested in Dewsbury Road, Beeston, after police were contacted when he pointed a 12-inch blade at the victim during the disturbance.

Leeds Crown Court heard the incident happened on February 3 this year.

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Andrew Horton, prosecuting, said Leeds City Council's anti-social behaviour team had previously been involved in dealing with disputes between Brownsword and his neighbour.

Leeds Crown CourtLeeds Crown Court
Leeds Crown Court

The court heard the victim had formed the impression that Brownsword had shouted 'racial slurs' at her on previous occasions.

On the day of the disturbance she had made a recording of the defendant shouting from his home and sent the audio to her cousin.

The incident started when the victim's cousin went to her home and there was a confrontation in the street.

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Mr Horton said: "The complainant saw the defendant had a large knife with a 10-12 inch blade in his hand."

The 28-year-old said to the woman: "I will f****** stab you. I will kill you."

Another neighbour described how Brownsword jabbed the weapon towards the woman and said: "I will f****** end you."

Police were contacted and the defendant was arrested at 2.45pm that day.

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Brownsword was interviewed and claimed he had armed himself with the knife as he felt threatened.

The prosecutor said: "He said he suffered from mental health issues and had lost his head."

Brownsword, of St Luke's Green, Beeston, pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article and threatening behaviour

He has previous convictions for possession of a firearm.

In 2013 he was given a six-year prison sentence for wounding with intent after he stabbed someone during an argument.

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The court heard Brownsword has now moved away from the area where the incident took place.

A probation service report described how Brownsword had mental health difficulties but was willing to receive help to address his problems.

He was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to take part in a 20-day rehabilitation activity requirement programme.

Judge Simon Phillips QC said: "Acting as you did was a dangerous thing to do and creates a risk of serious disorder."