A MAN who threatened to kill his parents while suffering a medical episode exacerbated by his drugs misuse has been spared an immediate jail sentence.

Peter Wellham turned up at their address in the Great Horton area of Bradford saying he needed help or he would murder somebody, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

After Wellham, 37, of no fixed address, was arrested by the police, he shouted ‘you’re dead’ and ran his finger across his throat causing his parents serious distress, prosecutor Philip Adams said.

He pleaded guilty to an affray outside the address on the morning of June 21.

Wellham had previous convictions for racially aggravated threatening behaviour, battery and theft.

His parents had reached breaking point and just wanted their son to get the help he needed, the court was told.

Wellham’s barrister, Jayne Beckett, said he would live in supported accommodation in Halifax on his release from remand in HMP Leeds. The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Richard Mansell KC, sentenced Wellham to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with 20 rehabilitation activity days and a nine-month drug rehabilitation requirement. He must attend monthly reviews at the court so his progress can be checked.

A restraining order bans him from going to his parents’ home until further order and communicating with them directly or indirectly.