Published at 08:49, Friday, 21 September 2012

A man who has admitted making threats to kill and rape has been warned he is facing prison.

Ian Nathaniel Miskelly, 18, of Brayton Park, Aspatria, wrote threatening notes to his victims and harassed them on the social networking site Facebook.

He pleaded guilty to 10 counts which included making threats to kill and rape and putting a person in fear of violence.

Miskelly also admitted a charge of causing the wasteful employment of police time.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that he had written a death threat to himself and then reported it to the police in June of last year.

Greg Hoare, defending, said that his client was intellectually “below par”.

He said Miskelly was “under no illusions” about the sentencing powers of the court.

The case was adjourned for sentencing until November 29 to allow for a psychological report to be completed. Miskelly was given bail.

The judge, Recorder John Gibson, described it as a “serious” and “very worrying case”, adding that it was unfortunate that it could not be resolved sooner.

He said: “Despite the unfortunate delay in sentence I don’t see that there is any other alternative.

“The overwhelming likelihood is that you will receive a custodial sentence.

“These are very serious offences which have caused a great deal of distress.”

Miskelly admitted five counts of making threats to kill and five counts of putting a person in fear of violence.

His several victims received threatening handwritten notes, messages on Facebook and emails.

David Pojur, prosecuting, said: “It’s a very serious case but on balance he is a young man with difficulties.”

The offences were all carried out in 2011 against several victims including a police officer.

He added that if Miskelly caused problems for any of the complainants his bail might be “immediately revoked”.

As part of his bail conditions, Miskelly is not allowed to contact any of the complainants or use a computer. The court heard that he had so far abided by these conditions.

Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk