‘Dangerous’ Ranby prisoner threatened to firebomb woman’s car

Glynn Johnson had been recalled to prison, after serving a sentence for robbery, when he received bad news from the social services and became angry, on September 29, last year.

"He was visibly upset and became verbally aggressive," prosecutor Lucky Thandi told Nottingham Crown Court, on Wednesday.

"When I get out I am going to firebomb her car," Johnson told a different member of the prison staff.

When asked if he wanted the message relayed to the social worker, he said "yes."

"Despite her efforts to brush it off she realised she was struggling to cope and no longer felt safe driving in her car,” said Ms Thandi. "She was aware of his background and history of violence. She became worried about the safety of her family."

The social worker was signed off work after the threats, made at HMP Nottingham.

Ms Thandi said the offence was aggravated by Johnson’s 23 previous convictions for 76 offences.

Katrina Wilson, mitigating, said it was an "indirect threat" and Johnson had written a letter of apology to the woman.

She said he was the victim of an attempted shooting, in September 2019, and blinded in one eye after a stabbing. The sight in his other eye is impacted and “he wakes every day fearing he might not be able to see.”

Miss Wilson said Johnson was placed into care at a young age, which “led to a downward spiral in terms of his mental health, substance abuse and a cycle of offending.”

He has been diagnosed with depression and post traumatic stress disorder.

Johnson “repeatedly asked for help while in custody” and “attempted to remove the eye thinking it would save the sight in his other eye.”

He refused treatment after making an attempt on his own life and is “very lucky to be alive.” He was due for release on December 21 and has served the equivalent of six months in custody, the court heard.

Johnson, aged 33, of HMP Ranby, pleaded guilty to threatening to destroy property.

Recorder Jason Macadam described him as “dangerous,” but said he had "sympathy" for Johnson's early life.

He adjourned sentencing until May 4 for a psychiatric report.

Editor’s message: In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Ashley Booker, editor.