Estate agency founder threatened to kill fellow directors, court hears
Gareth Wills created videos warning his colleagues they must pay him money he said they owed him.
The co-founder of an agency was given a suspended prison sentence after threatening to kill fellow directors in a series of videos.
Gareth Wills, a founder of Lewis Haughton Wills based in Cornwall, (pictured) told the other directors they must pay him money he believed he was owed.
Wills, 42, of Mylor Downs, appeared at Truro Crown Court for sentencing having pleaded guilty to two charges of sending malicious communications with intent to cause distress of anxiety.
He was given an eight-month sentence, suspended for two years and must complete a rehabilitation activity requirement.
He was also made subject of a restraining order preventing him from contacting any Lewis Haughton Wills employee or director, or going to their offices. Wills must pay each victim in the case £500 in compensation.
Michael Brown, prosecuting, told the court Wills recorded the videos between late May and early June this year blaming his debts on the company not paying him.
During one video, Wills called director Paula Haughton an ‘imp’ and fellow director Mark Lewis ‘a fat little dwarf’.
Mr Brown said: “He ends the video by saying I’m f****** sick of this. Pay me the money or face the consequences.”
Panic attacks
Wills was also charged with threatening to cut off the head of Ms Haughton and hold her family at gunpoint. Brown said the threats had a profound effect on the victims, causing them panic attacks and anxiety, as well as obvious fears for their safety.
Representing Wills, Robin Smith said: “He is aware his behaviour was completely unacceptable. This once very successful agency became subject of a very acrimonious breakdown.
“Mr Wills accepts he descended into the abyss of alcohol and cocaine addiction exacerbated by his recently and belatedly diagnosed ADHD.”
