A MAN who threatened a witness who was giving evidence at his friend's trial has been jailed.
Joe Ariss (21), of Bodesway, Orton Malborne, Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Crown Court after admitting one charge of witness intimidation.
The court heard Ariss had gone to Huntingdon Crown Court to support his friend, who was standing tr
ial on Wednesday, June 11.
However, before he set off from Peterborough station, he had already been drinking, and drank more on the train.
John Kellett, prosecuting, said: "When he got to court there was a 15-year-old girl who was giving evidence.
"She needed to look at her police statement to refresh her memory, and as she did, Ariss said 'that's not all she needs to refresh,' before swearing at her.
"Shortly after, there was a short adjournment in the hearing, and the witness went outside and was in a group of three discussing her exams, which she was due to take the following day.
"Ariss barged through the middle of them to get a glass of water, when there was plenty of space either side of the group.
"He then barged through again on the way back, and said 'I advise you not to carry on with this, and not to say anymore.'"
A member of court staff reported it to police at the court and Ariss was arrested.
John Fitzpatrick, mitigating for Ariss, said his client, who was receiving treatment for his drink problems, felt "genuine remorse".
Ariss was sentenced to eight months in prison.
The full article contains 261 words and appears in Peterborough ET newspaper.
