Conviction John Clegg

John Clegg of no fixed abode, Lancaster has been found guilty of using threatening and abusive words and behaviour with the intent to make someone fear for their safety and likely to cause them to fear for their safety (section 4 and 4A of the Public Order Act)

On Monday 1st September 2025, the case was heard at Lancaster Magistrates Court. The court heard that on the Tuesday 8TH July 2025, Clegg visited The Job Centre Plus, Church Street, Lancaster. Clegg was trying to obtain his benefit money however was told it was the wrong day to return another day. Clegg has then began to shout at two members of staff saying “"I AM STOCKPILING KNIVES. I'LL SEE YOU IN THE CAR PARK AND I WILL STAB YOU" and “I'M GOING TO STAB YOU, I'M GOING TO STRANGLE YOU". The staff members fearing for their personal safety have phoned the local police on the emergency number.

Members of the Lancaster City Centre Neighbourhood Team attended the area and quickly located and arrested Clegg sheltering in a nearby place of worship. Police were successful in remanding Clegg in prison pending his trial, so that the staff members could feel safe to continue to go to work.

The Magistrates found Clegg guilty of both offences, sentencing Clegg to 9 weeks imprisonment, £400 compensation to the victims and a restraining order prohibiting from attending The Job Centre Plus or approaching either member of the staff.

PC Foster of the City Centre NPT team said “It is good to see the courts have found Clegg guilty of these offences. There is zero tolerance towards people abusing and threatening people who are only trying to do their job in the city centre and we will always deal with these individuals and put them before the courts. It cannot be understated how these threats can have a more longer lasting impact on those involved for their work and wider personal life. I hope Clegg understood this during the trial and that he will change his behaviour and get help to learn how to more appropriate deal with his anger.”