March 27, 2017 11.38 am This story is over 84 months old

Man smashed up girlfriend’s Lincoln flat and threatened to stab parents after she dumped him

A man smashed up his girlfriend’s flat and made a series of threats after she dumped him on Valentine’s Day, Lincoln Crown Court was told. Leon Smith had only been seeing Billie Jo Curtis for a couple of months when she told him that she wanted to end the relationship. Alex Wolfson, prosecuting, said: “Ms…
Leon Smith has been jailed for two years. Photo: Lincolnshire Police

A man smashed up his girlfriend’s flat and made a series of threats after she dumped him on Valentine’s Day, Lincoln Crown Court was told.

Leon Smith had only been seeing Billie Jo Curtis for a couple of months when she told him that she wanted to end the relationship.

Alex Wolfson, prosecuting, said: “Ms Curtis described the relationship as rocky. He would lose his temper and smash things up when he was in a bad mood.”

Smith visited her home in Jarvis House flats, Lincoln, on the afternoon of February 14 and after being told of the situation he turned violent.

Mr Wolfson said: “There was an argument. The defendant started smashing up various items in her flat.

“He made reference to stabbing her parents.

“He ripped the television off the wall and stamped on it.”

Ms Curtis’ sister tried to get into the flat but Smith turned on her.

He told her to fetch her father so he could stab him.

Mr Wolfson said: “He then went over to the complainant with a knife and put it near her face several times. He was saying things such as if her sister contacted the police he would keep her hostage and stab her.”

Smith went out onto the balcony of the flat and smashed a window.

He left the scene after Ms Curtis’ father arrived.

But before running off he told Billie Jo Curtis “remember you’re dead”, which was accompanied by a cut throat gesture.

The window and door were damaged and two televisions, a washing machine and a mobile phone were all smashed beyond repair.

Smith, 22, of no fixed address, admitted charges of affray, criminal damage and possession of a bladed article. He was jailed for two years.

He was also given an indefinite restraining order banning him from contacting Billie Jo Curtis.

David Eager, in mitigation, said that Smith realised he was facing an immediate jail sentence and had entered his guilty pleas at the first opportunity he had.

Judge Michael Heath, passing sentence, said: “This was an ugly incident and very frightening. The sentences which I impose are stern and deliberately so.”