Universal Credit claimant made terrifying threats to bomb Hartlepool job centre and stab staff to death

Enraged Justin Riley, 34, said he wanted to kill job centre staff and “annihilate” them, Teesside Crown Court was told.

He made the threats in a phone appointment with a health worker in October to discuss his mental health.

But Riley became increasingly irate when the health worker told him she could not give him a sick note over the phone.

Jennifer Haigh, prosecuting, said: “He became enraged and upset.”

Ms Haigh added: “During the conversation the defendant made some very concerning comments about killing people inside Hartlepool job centre.

"He said he would use a bomb to explode shrapnel in people’s faces.”

Riley, who receives Universal Credit, told the health worker the job centre was making him “jump through hoops” and talked about stabbing staff and making a YouTube video adding: “Then they will think twice”.

Ms Haigh said: “He said ‘I’m going to lash out. I’ll wait till everyone has gone out and go with petrol and a chainsaw. I’ll annihilate them.’”

He made similar threats to police when officers went to his address saying he would be better off in prison as he would not have to struggle with managing his electricity and food.

When interviewed, Riley, of Harcourt Street, Hartlepool, said he fantasised about hurting people, but added he had no intention of carrying out the threats he made.

He is due to be sentenced for sending a malicious communication on Friday, January 6, after the case was adjourned for more information about Riley’s accommodation and alcohol help available.