Axe wielding Gateshead pensioner turned up at ex-husband's home and threatened to chop granddaughter's head off
by Kali Lindsay · ChronicleLiveAn axe wielding pensioner turned up her ex-husband's home and threatened to chop his step-granddaughter's head off, a court heard.
Margaret Bell, 69, arrived at her former husband's Washington home in November last year and the victim was inside. Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim was in the property and heard a noise outside at around 4pm before someone someone tried the door handled and opened the door.
She quickly ran to the door to lock it and saw the defendant outside holding an axe, the court heard. Bell then repeatedly told the victim to get out of the house, threatened to smash the windows and threatened to chop her and her mother's heads off, the court was told.
Police were called and they seized two axes and a hammer from Bell, the court heard.
Saba Shan, prosecuting, told the court her ex-husband Mr Bell has dementia and the victim and her mother believed the defendant was not providing adequate care for him.
She said: "They have taken over caring responsibilities around three to four months before this offence on November 18, 2023. According to [the victim] Ms Bell complained about feeling pushed out."
The incident lasted around 10 minutes and police arrived around 4.30pm, the court heard.
"Two axes and a hammer were seized," Ms Shan added.
The court heard that at the police custody suite Bell told officers: "I just got to my wits' end."
Ms Shan added: "Later that night the defendant's property was searched and two receipts from Machine Mart were seized and one shows the defendant purchased two axes at 2.39pm earlier that day on November 18."
In a victim impact statement the woman said the incident had a "significant impact" on her.
The victim said they had installed a camera and chain locks on the property following the incident, though Mr Bell now resides in a care home.
Mairi Clancy, defending, said Bell, of Saltwell Road, Gateshead, was of previous good character and had no previous convictions.
She told the court: "Ms Bell is a churchgoer and qualified teacher and worked in China teaching English. She still works as a seasonal worker at the Post Office.
"There has been a dispute in relation to her husband of 11 years who is 84 years old and has advanced dementia. She is of the view her husband was being exploited by the complainant, motivated by his estate.
"She acted out of utter desperation and accepts her actions were deeply shameful."
On sentencing, Judge Carolyn Scott said: "You are a person of previous good character until the age of 68. It is clear to me and clear to you this action you should not have committed. It is never okay to arm yourself with a weapon and go to a house and threaten them with it."
Bell pleaded guilty to threatening another with an offensive weapon and given a 18 month community order. She is required to carry out 15 rehabilitation days and a restraining order against the victim was also issued.
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