A RYDE man who made threats to kill and said he was going to stab two police officers has been handed a community order.

Richard Wetherick, of Vernon Square, appeared before the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court via video link on Friday (September 10).

At a previous hearing on July 30, the 44-year-old admitted two counts of making threats to kill, on July 28, 2021.

He also admitted sending threats that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, and using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress.

His case was adjourned so a pre-sentence report could be drawn up.

Prosecutor, Liz Miller, told the court Wetherick had called police during the evening, making threats to kill officers.

She said he made threats to stab two police constables, and repeated those threats when he received a call from the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service.

Mrs Miller said he told the ambulance caller he wanted to kill a police officer and was going to go out and find a police car.

He left his address, and after police called him to ask for his location, six officers attended and arrested him.

The court heard he became abusive and started swearing at police while being detained.

Oscar Vincent, defending, said Wetherick's behaviour occurred during a very low mental health episode.

Mr Vincent referred to a transcript of Wetherick's conversation with the ambulance service, wherein he described his mental health as awful and said he was scared of everyone.

He said Wetherick had been diagnosed with a personality disorder and suffered from clinical depression and anxiety. He said this all contributed to his behaviour on the day.

Wetherick was given a 12-month community order, to include ten rehabilitation days, and made subject of an eight-week curfew between 8pm and 7am.

He was ordered to pay costs of £85 and a £95 surcharge.