A man who challenged his half-brother to a fight amid a background of bad blood between the pair has been sentenced by a judge.
Thirty-year-old Matthew Adam Taylor made his presence known in a field behind Stephen Longstaff’s Maryport home on September 25 last year after the former had been released from prison.
Mr Longstaff — at home with his wife — became aware of a noise, went to investigate, saw Taylor, heard him using a “hostile and aggressive tone” and repeatedly challenged him to a fight.
Prosecutor Ben Berkson told Carlisle Crown Court: “There is a history of bad blood between them.”
After Taylor took off his jacket and began waving it around, there was a “stand-off” between the pair although Mr Longstaff refused to entertain the threats. And when Mr Longstaff indicated he would call police, Taylor responded: “You are nothing but a grass; go on, call them.”
The incident had occurred against the background of a previous serious assault by Taylor on his half-brother. In an impact statement, the victim spoke of having since installed cameras at his home. Both he and his partner described being scared about Taylor’s “unpredictable” conduct and what he might do.
In court today (Monday), Taylor admitted an affray charge, and was said to have a “dreadful record for violence and anger”. But after reading background material that indicated the defendant was capable of change, Recorder Paul Hodgkinson imposed a 12-month community order.
Taylor, of Belle Isle Street, Workington, must complete a thinking skills programme, a rehabilitation requirement and 140 hours’ unpaid work.
He was also banned from contacting Mr Longstaff and his partner indefinitely.
“This is an unpleasant offence on any view,” said the judge. “This has to stop now. If you carry this on, this will ultimately lead to you committing more and more offences, serving longer and longer in prison — not to mention the fact that your family…are made miserable by your behaviour and your conduct.”
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