Kurt Elliott

Kurt Elliott, a 21-year-old man from Ferryhill, County Durham, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court charged with sending a communication that conveyed a threat of serious harm. The incident occurred on 23 January 2023, when Elliott, intoxicated by cocaine and alcohol, sent a vile Snapchat voice note to a woman he knew, explicitly threatening to rape her.

Prosecutor Yetunde Alake outlined the distressing nature of the message during the hearing, stating: “The victim received the message on Snapchat when the defendant said - ‘I will rape ya, you will like that won’t ya?’. The woman was left upset and distressed by the message.” Despite knowing the complainant, Elliott had no prior issues with her, but his immature actions under the influence led to the serious threat.

Mitigating, John Clish argued that Elliott's behaviour stemmed from a lack of maturity rather than any sinister intent. He described Elliott as “quite clearly an immature person through his mannerisms and how he expresses himself,” emphasising that the defendant now recognised the impact of his actions on the victim. The court acknowledged the severity of the offence, with chairman William Unsworth noting: “We think that the custody threshold has been stepped over.”

Unsworth further stressed the gravity of the threat, adding: “This lady should not have to put up with that behaviour – threatening her with rape is what makes this offence so serious. You have to grow up and you have to grow up fast.” Consequently, Elliott was sentenced to 12 weeks' imprisonment, suspended for 18 months. He was also required to complete 30 rehabilitation activity days and a six-month drug treatment programme, alongside paying £250 in compensation to the victim and £239 in court costs.

The case was handled by Durham Constabulary, highlighting the police force's role in addressing communications that threaten serious harm, particularly those involving sexual violence. This incident underscores the legal consequences of online threats, even when made impulsively under the influence of substances.