A CONVICTED knifeman threatened to kill his neighbour during a violent rampage, a Court was told yesterday.

Adam Mackay also smashed the man’s van after he refused to let him borrow it so he could drive to Teesside to buy drugs.

Darlington Magistrates’ Court heard that Mackay’s neighbour was frightened by the threats because he knew the 21-year-old had recently been released from jail for stabbing someone.

Blair Martin, prosecuting, told the court: “The defendant lives in the flat beneath this man, who had helped him out by putting some work his way.

“Mr Mackay was insured on his van, but the man had become aware that he had been abusing his trust and had taken the van to Thornaby to buy drugs.”

On the night of September 8, the victim received a text from Mackay, who asked him if he could borrow the van again. He wrote in the message: “I need a joint, let me go to get some green.”

When the man refused, Mackay appeared at the door brandishing a metal table leg.

“He was swearing and shouting ‘come on then’,” said Mr Martin.

“He then used the leg to smash the van’s window and a wing mirror.

“As the man phoned the police, the defendant was shouting ‘when I get out of jail, I will kill you’. The man was fearful about the comments because he knew Mackay had been in custody previously for stabbing someone.”

Mackay pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage.

The court heard that charges of affray and making threats to kill had been dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Graeme Hunsley, mitigating, said Mackay had since apologised to the neighbour and tried to make amends for his actions.

“Mr Mackay and the man are on good terms again,” he said.

“He is hopeful that he may be taken on to work again as well.

“He tells me he has been taking advice on anger management issues, and is as least part way to tackling that.”

The court heard that Mackay, of Railway Court, Darlington, had previous convictions for wounding and public order offences.

Deputy District Judge Jane Hamilton told Mackay: “I am concerned about your record.

“This was a loss of temper and you have a number of offences of violence to your name.”

She adjourned the case for pre-sentence reports until October 20.