South Yorkshire offender 'threatened man over drug fears for friend'

Sheffield Crown Court heard on June 15 how Nigel Wetton, aged 57, of Melvinia Crescent, Wilthorpe, Barnsley, admitted affray after visiting a man’s property in a threatening manner while holding something.

Andrew Smith, defending, said: “It is the case the defendant went around there in high dudgeon and there was something in his hand causing concern to the complainant.”

Mr Smith added that Wetton’s associate has been a long-standing drug-addict and he has helped to resolve her drug problems including providing financial support for detoxifications.

Wetton fell out with the woman, according to Mr Smith, and he perhaps wrongly got the perception she was likely to be trying drugs if she went back to this relative’s home and that was why he went there.

Mr Smith said: “He does not undermine what a frightening sight it was when he went round there.”

The defendant pleaded guilty to affray after the incident on December 28, 2019.

Soheil Khan, prosecuting, said the complainant had stated Wetton was carrying an axe and glass was smashed but the plea of affray has been accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service on the basis Wetton had been brandishing something.

Judge Sarah Wright confirmed it was agreed Wetton would be dealt with on the basis he had something in his hand which caused the complainant to be frightened.

She adjourned the case until July 16 to consider a pre-sentence report.