Serial troublemaker branded "menace to community" of New Milton and given six restraining orders
A SERIAL troublemaker was branded a “menace to the community” and given six restraining orders against residents of New Milton – but was saved from jail after magistrates decided to give him one “last chance”.
The court heard how David Channell had terrorised residents in the town, including a man on a mobility scooter and a 78-year-old woman out shopping who was so frightened he was going to “thump” her she fled home.
Channell (53), of Drakes Close, New Milton, had also sworn at police officers when arrested.
At Poole Magistrates Court last week Channell pleaded guilty to six charges of abusive and threatening behaviour. He had previously been convicted in his absence by Southampton magistrates of two similar charges.
Prosecutor Ryan Seneviratne outlined how over eight months Channell had repeatedly been abusive and aggressive to “multiple residents” of New Milton.
He said: “Clearly this man has become what can only be described as a menace to the community.”
But despite Bench chairman Dr Steve Takel telling Channell his behaviour had been “appalling” and “extreme” the defendant was given a suspended sentence after his solicitor Harry Price-Smith told the court a campaign to have him banned from the town had caused him “distress”.
Mr Price-Smith said the campaign in the town was “somewhat unsympathetic” and “very harsh”.
The A&T have reported how traders in the town want Channell banned from the area after he repeatedly harassed them.
More than 30 of them signed a petition calling on the police and council to take action against him and he is banned from at least six businesses in the town.
Mr Price-Smith told the court: “It is causing him distress that the community have no sympathy towards him.”
“There were even issues raised when he was given a council flat. He got the help he needs and no-one should begrudge him that.”
Asked by Dr Takel why Channell had a “lack of acceptance that he committed the offences” Mr Price-Smith said his client, who is autistic, “doesn’t remember the offences”.
The court heard how on 6th December 2018 he had abused Annette Hunter at her tanning salon New Miltan in Station Road. He unleashed a torrent of abuse at her and threw a pair of scissors in front of her after she asked him to move. He had also sworn at a customer, Lisa Murphy, and a police officer who arrested him.
On the 17th of the same month Channell was at Bournemouth railway station when a customer assistant called Sabrina Dash asked him to step back from a train while it was being hitched to another one.
He told her “Who do you think you are talking to?” before spitting in her direction and swearing at her. He also swore at police while he was being arrested.
On the 24th June this year 78-year-old Robina Harper was planning to shop at Morrisons supermarket. She became afraid of Channell’s behaviour outside the store and went to report it to a friend who was in an office above it.
The friend saw Channell “waving his arms about” and swearing repeatedly.
Calling it “classic drunken behaviour” Mr Seneviratne said the street was “busy and a woman was pushing a baby” past the defendant who shouted at her.
At one point Channell fell asleep, the court heard. Mrs Harper went down to Morrisons at which point the defendant shouted at her “What the **** are you staring at?”
The prosecutor said the pensioner felt “intimidated” adding “She didn’t want him to thump her, she went home because she didn’t feel safe.”
Police arrived outside Morrisons whereupon Channell shouted and swore at one officer.
A month later on 5th July there were three incidents in the town involving Channell. After going to into JPC Technology in Station Road he was abusive to Mark Bridle who works there, and also owner Clifford Harris.
The defendant also swore and was aggressive toward Raymond Tomkins who was on his mobility scooter outside the shop.
Giving Channell a four-week jail sentence suspended for a year for each offence, Dr Takel told him: “In actuality the pattern of behaviour you show is appalling and you should not be treating people that way.”
He said the defendant’s autism and the risk of him losing his home if sent to jail had “steered” the court away from an immediate prison sentence.
But Dr Takel warned him: “You have to be aware that this is your last chance to change your behaviour. Take this opportunity to move on.”
He was given a community order and ordered to pay £250 costs.
Channell was also ordered not to contact Annette Hunter, Lisa Murphy, Clifford Harris, Mike Bridle, Raymond Tomkins and Robina Harper for 12 months.
He is banned from going to New Miltan and JPC Technology for the same amount of time.
Speaking after the court case, Ms Hunter said: “Obviously I’m disappointed that the magistrates’ court released David Channell but I’m pleased there is a restraining order implemented.
“As for the comments made by his defence attorney I feel they are putting his ‘emotional needs’ before the safety of the community.
“This was never a hate campaign, it was always about public awareness and the safety of the residents. If there is no consequences put in place because of his behaviour, how do they expect him to change? Giving him benefits, free accommodation and travel obviously isn’t the answer.
“I feel frustrated for the police as they have spent so much time and effort on this case and it almost feels like it’s been for nothing.”
