Trump mask criminal jailed after loitering near father's allotment armed with knives
22 January 2020, 10:40
A menacing crook has been convicted after loitering near an allotment armed with knives – and a Donald Trump mask.
Keith Mills, 35, was found with two knives and the presidential disguise as he lurked in a scrap van near the Hill Park estate in Tyne and Wear.
The court heard Mills was embroiled in a long-running feud with his father, and officers believe he set out to deliberately damage his estranged dad’s allotment before waiting for him there while wearing a disguise.
When concerned bystanders called police, officers found metal railings had been damaged and when they searched a van owned by Mills they found a saw, two knives and a Donald Trump mask
Mills, of Pine Street, Chester-le-Street, pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place and possession of an offensive weapon at Newcastle Crown Court.
At the same court, a judge sentenced him to 16 months in jail and also handed him an indefinite restraining order which bans him from contacting his father.
PC Judith Holtham, of Northumbria Police, said: “Mills’ behaviour on that morning was erratic and alarming. His actions understandably caused a great deal of distress to members of his family and frightened his father, who feared for his life.
“Upon locating the defendant, officers found him to be in possession of two knives that could have been used to cause significant harm.
“It is totally unacceptable – under any circumstances – to carry a knife and we are committed to ensuring anybody who is found in possession of these weapons is rightly brought to justice.
“Mills now must deal with the consequences of his actions, and I hope this conviction makes him consider the impact that his selfish behaviour can have on others.”
In a statement, Mills’ father told the court that he loved his son but was scared by his behaviour.
He said: “I love and miss him so much, but the way he is I am absolutely terrified of him and I don’t think I could ever have him back in my life for what the stress would do to me.”
