Richard Calderbank pulled out a pair of scissors and threatened to stab the staff member
Richard Calderbank, 36, of no fixed abode(Image: Merseyside police)
A man pulled out a pair of scissors and said “I’ll stab you” after he was woken up while napping under the Upside Down House in Liverpool ONE. Richard Calderbank, 36, threatened Liverpool ONE worker David McArdle when he disturbed his sleep at around 11pm on July 22 this year.
Calderbank, of no fixed abode, was first spotted by Mr McArdle sleeping on some steps in the shopping district at around 10.30pm that night. Mr McArdle asked him to leave, and Calderbank “was unhappy about being moved”.
Half an hour later, he was seen behind the Upside Down House on Thomas Steers Way, and was once again asked to leave the area. Prosecutor Olivia Randall told Liverpool Crown Court today, August 22: “The defendant told him to f*** off and refused to move. As they were concerned due to the defendant’s presentation, they shone a torch at his face, causing him to become abusive.”
Calderbank said: “Who are you shining that f***ing torch at? I’ll stab you”. He then reached into his bag and produced a small pair of metal scissors and pointed them at Mr McArdle, threatening to stab him.
Mr McArdle backed off, and Calderbank later left the scene. He was arrested and found in possession of several snap bags of white power, which he claimed were paracetamol and nail polish.
Ms Randall said the 36-year-old had 38 previous convictions for 57 offences, including five for possession of weapons in a public place. She said: “In this matter where there are previous, the court must impose at least six months custodial sentence unless there are exception circumstances for not doing so.”
Calderbank admitted threatening Mr McArdle with the pair of scissors. Callum Ross, defending, said: “He’s candid with his probation officer in his acceptance of this offending, and the fact that he had been misusing drugs that evening. He was awoken, he was concerned for his safety given that he was sleeping on the streets. It’s not a justification nor is it an excuse.”
He said that, despite sleeping rough, Calderbank had accommodation available to him. He said: “He feels he has been very stupid because he should have gone home and slept in his own bed. And he will pay the price for that.
“He tells me if he’s to remain in custody, short term plans are to make productive use of his time there and upon release find legitimate and stable employment and to move forward with his life.
“He has medical difficulties as a result of a brain injury from a drug overdose in 2013. He has struggled with his mental health over the years. He feels very vulnerable in custody, vulnerable to more sophisticated individuals who he says have been taking advantage of him.”
Sentencing, Judge B O’Leary said: “At the time of this offence you had not long been released from custody. I accept you were struggling you were sleeping rough at the time, even though you have a house. You were using heroin, ketamine and crack cocaine. You accept you lost control and threatened Mr McArdle with a pair of scissors.
“I accept you expressed genuine remorse. Your guilty plea is mitigation. You life is one that has been riddled with drugs and alcohol addiction. Sadly you also suffered a brain injury from an overdose in 2013. There are also concerns about your mental health. Tragically you suffered a very traumatic childhood and I take that into account.
“But I must apple the sentencing guildines in your case.” He sentenced Calderbank to 13 months in prison.