A builder threatened to harm a customer’s family and said he would put a man in a wheelchair after a dispute over a £21,500 bill.
David Jones, from Lancaster, was hired to carry out building work on the house in Grange-over-Sands in July 2024. But the working relationship broke down and a dispute arose when the customer’s family asked for a refund.
On October 18, 2024, victim Ross Freeman received a call from a withheld number. When he answered he instantly recognised Jones’ voice, Preston Crown Court heard, and put the call on speaker so his wife could record the conversation. During the nine-minute call, Mr Freeman asked for the money back, but Jones said: “We can sort this in Grange this evening. I’m a man and I will sort this accordingly.”
Mr Freeman said he did not want to meet Jones, but the 34-year-old continued his threats, saying: “I’ll tell you what – I know exactly where you live. I know exactly where your mum and sister go to sleep at night.
“If you want to take it down this road, I’ll take it down a very dark road. I promise you, I’ll bring s*** to your house and your mum’s house.
“I am coming for your whole f****** family. I’m coming for the whole f****** lot of you.
“Come to Grange-over-Sands this evening. If you don’t, I’m coming to your door. I’m going to put you in a f****** wheelchair – just you wait ’till I get hold of you.”
Mr Freeman said he felt “immense fear for his family’s safety” following the threats by Jones. He was particularly worried for his 85-year-old mother-in-law, he said.
His wife felt anxious and had no idea whether he would follow through with the threats.
Judge Michael Maher said he had to sentence Jones for his “toxic brand of masculinity”.
He said: “You were mired in the belief that the Freeman family had posted material on the internet as to your location. It is entirely possible another disgruntled customer posted that.
“Listening to that tirade of abuse it is plain to me that the Freeman family dealt with great dignity to a very difficult individual in you. He (Mr Freeman) is so worried about his safety and the safety of his family that he has installed CCTV in case you were to ever return.
“In my judgement appropriate punishment can only be achieved through an immediate sentence of custody.”
He jailed Jones, of Aldrens Lane, Lancaster, for 12 months.
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