By Man avoids jail sentence after brandishing 12-inch knife on doorstep
A man who brandished a 12-inch kitchen knife after police were called to a property in Louth has managed to evade a jail sentence.
Marc Gowler, 30, made a series of aggressive 999 calls after becoming upset that his partner had walked out with their daughter.
Two police officers arrived at the property in Mercer Row at roughly 9 pm where Gowler was standing with a large kitchen knife near the doorway.
Lincoln Crown Court heard how the large kitchen knife was 12 inches in length including the handle.
Gowler was running along the front railings of the property shouting and screaming towards the police.
Officers told Gowler they were going to help him, but he threw the knife into his front door and ran towards them.
The 999 call records showed Gowler becoming increasingly aggressive, making stabbing threats, and had warned the police to bring a dog.
During an interview, Gowler said he picked up the knife because he wanted help, and agreed it may have appeared scary to onlookers.
The court also heard from the defense that this was an”isolated incident,” and argued Gowler could be dealt with by a suspended sentence as he had no previous convictions and showed remorse for his actions.
Judge John Pini QC told Gowler he would only be in prison for a matter of weeks if he passed an immediate jail sentence.
He added that Gowler’s behaviour was “disgraceful, and obviously frightening for the police officers involved.”
Gowler, who is now of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to a charge of affray on 13 July, 2021.
He was sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months and must also obey a three month curfew between 7pm and 7am. He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity days.
