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Studland Farmer Sentenced to Community Order for Threatening Boy’s Family After Late-Night Tractor Confrontation

The case ended with guilty pleas after witnesses described the late-night threats.

Overview

  • Stephen Smith, 60, admitted using threatening or abusive behaviour and possessing ammunition without a certificate at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court.
  • District Judge Orla Austin imposed a 12-month community order with 80 hours’ unpaid work, plus £85 costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
  • Prosecutors said Smith drove his tractor to the teenager’s home after drinking, shouted abuse at the boy’s mother, and threatened to “get my gun and shoot you all.”
  • The confrontation followed Smith finding the teen outside his daughter’s bedroom earlier that day, after the girl had invited him to watch the sunrise.
  • The defence said the conduct was out of character and that firearms at his home were locked away, as neighbours’ reports prompted a police response at about 11.30pm.