Skip navigation

Gloucestershire Business News

Man jailed for intimidating witnesses

A 38 year old Gloucester man who intimidated witnesses in a case against his brother was jailed for 11 months at Gloucester Crown Court.

A judge told Leon Pettigrew of Matson Avenue "Any effort to interfere with the process of justice will be viewed dimly by the courts."

Pettigrew admitted intimidating Katie Howard and Brendan O'Donell on 11th September this year.

Prosecutor Janine Wood told Judge Ian Lawrie QC that the intimidation took place at about 11.30am at Mr O'Donnell's place of work, the Community Gateway Cafe in Matson.

Pettigrew approached Mr O'Donnell and was 'close enough that his chin was touching his chest', the prosecutor said.

Pettigrew said: "You want to be careful who you give evidence against - and tell the truth.

"You better not forget - we know who you are and where you live."

At that point, Pettigrew could be heard to mutter from the dock 'bulls**t!'

Mrs Wood continued: "Mr O'Donnell thought it was a threat to him and his family.

"Ms Howard was also present when the defendant approached," she said.

Pettigrew turned to her and said: "You don't look like you are fearing for your life!

"You are going to get more than a spit in the face.

Referring to Pettigrew's criminal record of 29 convictions for 109 offences, the prosecutor said there was a case of previous witness intimidation when he was a youth in 1997 and he was sent to a young offender's institution for six months.

Judge Lawrie noted: "The Court will always take a dim view of attempting to interfere with the process of justice."

Jason Coulter, representing Pettigrew, said: "It is, I submit, highly unusual that guilty pleas are entered at an early stage in this type of case.

"He fully accepts he invaded their personal spaces, making his views clear. That could, and was, conceived as intimidating."

Mr Coulter added that in relation to his brother's trial Pettigrew 'has no involvement whatsoever with the case remotely'.

The barrister said it was 'a completely chance encounter'.

"He accepts the intimidation was real," Mr Coulter said, "It is a shame because he has kept himself out of trouble.

"He was released last December and until September he kept himself away from trouble until of course this incident.

"He has managed to get himself a job with a construction firm.

"He enjoyed that job, the first time he had worked in a number of years."

Mr Coulter said it was 'a silly incident that must have been very frightening for those that received it'.

"He regrets it, and has been in custody since 22nd September."

Imposing an eleven month jail term, Judge Lawrie said "There is nothing about your life that merits suspending a sentence.

"I take the view the female victim was vulnerable. You did not embark on a deliberate effort to interfere but you did intimidate and frighten those witnesses."

A restraining order to protect the victims was imposed for three years.

Related Articles

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise Image

Versarien's revenues halve and losses rise

Forest of Dean-based advanced engineering group Versarien saw its revenues halve last year.

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service Image

Gloucestershire company launches same-day service

Gloucester-based Freemans Event Partners has launched a brand-new around-the-clock foodservice logistics offer.

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court Image

Gloucester business expands at Elmbridge Court

Just three offices are now available for rent at Elmbridge Court, following the latest letting.

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking Image

Cirencester town centre to deliver improved parking

Better parking and traffic control improvements for Cirencester residents and businesses.

Copyright 2024 Moose Partnership Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any content is strictly forbidden without prior permission.