1 week Ago By [email protected] (Mark Naylor)
A hot-headed ex-chef hurled a torrent of racist abuse after becoming enraged when a "drugs gang" moved into the flats where he lived – but he has now found some much-needed peace and quiet by listening to soothing "pan pipe music". Martin Armitage angrily called the police and complained about the flats being "cuckooed" by drug dealers. He made racist and obscenity-filled comments during the heated telephone call but he was carrying a rake handle as a weapon when officers turned up to offer help after the call, Hull Crown Court heard.
Armitage, 44, of Bransholme , Hull, admitted making a malicious telephone communication, using threatening words or behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon on December 18 as well as causing criminal damage to a door on December 9. Blaise Morris, prosecuting, said that Armitage was inside the block of flats when he banged on the door of one of them and shouted: "I'll f***ing cave his head in." He said that he was sick of a man walking in and stealing items.
Damage was caused to the door. On December 18, Armitage made an emergency call to the police asking for help. He complained about the flats being "cuckooed" – meaning that drug dealers had moved in – and he made repeated racist remarks and other obscenities.
After the call, police went to the flats and knocked on Armitage's front door. They said that they were there to assist but he came out carrying a pole handle from a garden rake. He had a washing-up bottle with him.
This was originally said to contain a corrosive substance but the prosecution did not proceed with that aspect of the case. Armitage made constant references to the people that he was upset about. He showed the police a video of himself banging on a door and using racist language.
He said that he was "ready to smash their f***ing teeth in". His flat was searched and a note containing racist language was found. Get all the latest crime and court news in Hull straight to your mobile via WhatsApp by clicking here .
If you don’t like our community, you can leave any time. We also treat members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. Read our privacy notice here .
Armitage made admissions during police interview. He had convictions for 55 previous offences, including burglary in December 2020. Steven Garth, mitigating, said: "He was doing very well until this drugs gang moved into the flats.
Happily, they have now gone." Unemployed Armitage told the court that he was hoping to be able to move out of the flats soon. He was now "just ignoring people" until he could move out.
"I don't have a drink problem any more," he said. "I listen to pan pipe music. That calms me down.
" When asked whether he played the pan pipes, he said: "No, I just like to listen to them." Armitage insisted: "I am not racist, one bit. I have been a chef, a mechanic, a lifeguard, a coastguard.
" He had previously been in custody on remand between December 18 and March 20 but he had recently been on bail. "Hull Prison nearly killed me," he said. He "never" wanted to go back there again.
Armitage was given 10 days' rehabilitation. The rake handle will be forfeited..
