'Predator' jailed for threatening ex with weapons

A man previously jailed and dubbed a "dangerous sexual predator" is back behind bars for harassing his ex-partner and threatening him with weapons while in a "jealous rage".

Craig Berry accused the man of infidelity and threatened him with a bat and hammer.

The 44-year-old, previously of Workington and latterly of Carlisle, admitted harassment without violence and two counts of threatening his victim with offensive weapons in a private place.

Carlisle Crown Court heard Berry had since been recalled to prison to serve the remainder of a 10-year jail term which was handed down in 2017 after a jury convicted him of engaging in sexual activity with a child.

Berry initially had a platonic friendship with the man he threatened which developed into a brief romantic relationship, the court heard.

Before the man called time on the relationship, Berry began accusing him of infidelity and made demands to see his mobile phone.

Over a number of days in September, Berry repeatedly called the man, sent him messages and made further accusations of infidelity.

The court was told that, on 7 September at an address in Carlisle, Berry threatened to hit him, first with a bat and then with a hammer, before blocking his exit route while saying: "I can't let you leave without hurting you."

Berry did eventually calm down, returning the man's phone and allowing him to go, the court heard.

But after further incidents in the days that followed, the man alerted the police.

For the harassment and weapons threat crimes, Berry was given an immediate 15-month prison sentence which will be served alongside the remainder of his 2017 term.

After his sentencing in 2017, a detective said: "Craig Berry is a dangerous sexual predator who isolated his victim in order to carry out his attacks."

Sentencing for the new convictions, recorder Julian Shaw said: "Regrettably, you were unable to take 'no' for an answer."

A five-year restraining order was also imposed, banning Berry from contacting the man or going within half a mile of his home address.

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