Derbyshire man told police on Twitter “I’m going to hurt a lot of people” in “cry for help”
A Derbyshire man struggling with mental health issues told police on Twitter “I’m going to hurt a lot of people” - warning them to “be ready” in a desperate cry for help, a court heard.
Charles Crellin, 22, who was “in limbo” awaiting treatment, made the threats in a deliberate attempt to get arrested and detained under the Mental Health Act.
Chesterfield Magistrates Court heard how he had suffered “auditory hallucinations” “all day” before sending the social media messages.
Ben Payne described how while talking to police Crellin, of Crich, said “tonight will be a famous night for whoever is involved” and “it’s going to be a bloody night”.
However Mr Payne added that during a police interview Crellin claimed to have been “let down by mental health services”.
He said Payne “had no feelings of wanting to hurt anyone” but “he knew if he said something outrageous police would have to come and help him with his mental health”.
The court heard Crellin had already been detained four times since the July 7 incident - instigating his own arrest on each occasion.
His solicitor Karl Meakin told magistrates: “He knows if he rings asking for help, help may not be as forthcoming as it would be if he rings up saying he will hurt someone else.
Mr Meakin said Crellin had been referred by his GP for community support - however he was “still waiting” and “in limbo”.
Crellin, of The Common, Crich, admitted sending an offensive message.
He was given a nine-month community order with six rehabilitation activity days, fined £40 and made to pay a £95 victim surcharge.