A MAN has been jailed for his part in a terrifying incident in which he chased his victim across a football field with a crossbow.
Jake Roberts, of The Close in Greenfield, appeared for sentence at Mold Crown Court on Wednesday.
The 29-year-old had been convicted after trial of making threats with an offensive weapon.
David Mainstone, prosecuting, told the court the case involved a "significant degree of planning" and "a highly dangerous weapon."
On December 11 last year, the court heard, a man named Keith Kendrick was 'lured' to Holway football field in Holywell, where Roberts approached him with a crossbow.
A man accompanying the defendant carried a machete.
The victim was chased until he took shelter in a shed and made a desperate 999 call, telling call handlers his life was in danger.
Jake Roberts (NWP) (Image: North Wales Police)
Mr Mainstone told the court Roberts had numerous previous offences on his record, including wounding and assaults.
He asked the court to seize and destroy the crossbow, as well as bolts found at the address where the defendant had been living at the time.
Myles Wilson, defending, told the court trial counsel were concerned about Mr Roberts' mental health and had instructed a psychiatrist to compile a report to assist the court.
He said while doctors found it "difficult to diagnose a mental illness," the report confirmed the "mental distress Jake Robert presents with is genuine."
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He added: "It notes his long-standing drug use and gives some insight into how that has developed.
"It's a familiar story of an unstable childhood, using drugs as a coping method leading to poor mental health, acting impulsively and going to prison - the cycle continues.
"He doesn't want this life. He's the father of two young children and had been seeking to get some help prior to this incident.
"In many ways his life was starting to get back on track and he is motivated to get to the bottom of his mental health problems.
"He has a bad record, please just bear in mind he does have issues of his own."
Judge Niclas Parry told the defendant: "You were convicted after trial on overwhelming evidence of playing your part with another in what was a jointly set up meeting intended to expose your victim to real risk.
"He waited, as had been arranged, and you approached with a crossbow. The man with you had a machete.
"It was terrifying. There was a chase and he made a 999 call.
"The Jury would have heard the sheer terror in his voice."
The Judge handed down a 21 month custodial sentence and ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the crossbow, as well as the ammunition found.
A three year restraining order was imposed to protect the victim.
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