Craig Berry

Craig Berry, aged 44 and previously described as a 'dangerous sexual predator', appeared at Carlisle Crown Court for offences committed against his former partner in Carlisle, Cumbria.

The relationship between Berry and the victim began as a platonic friendship but developed into a brief romantic involvement last autumn. According to prosecutor Brendan Burke, the victim ended the relationship, but Berry reacted with accusations of infidelity and demands to inspect his mobile phone. Over several days in September, Berry bombarded the victim with calls and messages reiterating these claims.

The situation escalated at an address in Carlisle when Berry seized the victim's phone. In a jealous rage, he picked up a wooden baseball bat and threatened to strike the victim in the knees, instructing him to turn around. Berry then grabbed a hammer, swinging it menacingly and declaring he would hit the victim, while blocking the exit and stating, 'I can’t let you leave without hurting you'. The victim, too frightened to attempt escape, remained until Berry calmed down and returned the phone, allowing him to leave.

• Berry subsequently sent apologetic messages, which the victim ignored.
• Three days later, Berry followed the victim home from a gym.
• He disregarded pleas from the victim's mother to cease contact, banging on the door and shouting for the victim.
• Further threats of violence prompted the victim to report the incidents at Durranhill police station in Carlisle.

Berry, formerly of Workington and more recently of Carlisle, admitted to harassment without violence and two counts of threatening the victim with offensive weapons in a private place. The court heard that Berry had been recalled to prison to complete the remainder of a 10-year sentence imposed in 2017, following his conviction for engaging in sexual activity with a male child. A detective at the time described him as 'a dangerous sexual predator who isolated his victim in order to carry out his attacks'. He is scheduled for release in June 2027.

For the recent offences, Recorder Julian Shaw sentenced Berry to 15 months' immediate imprisonment, to be served concurrently with his existing term. The judge remarked, 'Regrettably you were unable to take no for an answer' regarding the relationship's end. A five-year restraining order was also imposed, prohibiting Berry from contacting the victim or approaching within half a mile of his home address.

The case was reported by News and Star, with details from Carlisle Crown Court proceedings.