A DEPRESSED Kidderminster man described as a “terrorist” after he threatened to kill a businessman, has escaped jail.

Symon Hawkes, aged 34, said he would behead Stuart Allen – who runs Worcestershire Hour, a networking and news service for county organisations – in front of an audience during a seminar at the University of Worcester, a court heard.

Hawkes made his threat to attack Mr Allen over the phone.

Hawkes was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 18 months after admitting making threats to kill and harassment, at Kidderminster Magistrates’ Court last month (Tuesday, August 28).

Mr Allen described Hawkes as using the language of a terrorist when threatening him.

After the sentencing, Mr Allen, 54, of Kidderminster, who lives with his wife and stepson, said: “I am disappointed with the sentence. I think it was a bit lenient.

“I was expecting a custodial prison sentence. But, at the end of the day, if he does anything in the next year-and-a-half he will be imprisoned straight away.”

Magistrates heard that Hawkes booked onto the university-based course under a false name and called Mr Allen to say he would kill him there.

Mr Allen added that he had previously tried to help Hawkes by offering a free online business course and the chance to be paid for enlisting other participants.

In mitigation, Fergus Maxwell, defending, said Hawkes, of Pannier Close, Kidderminster, was “remorseful” adding that he suffers with “anxiety and depression.”

Magistrates ordered Hawkes to complete 19 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement (RAR) days, pay £135 court costs and a £115 victim surcharge.

He was also given a restraining order, preventing him from contacting Mr Allen, going to his house or attending any public event arranged by him or his company.