A man who repeatedly messaged two women, threatening to kill one, said his wish was to be jailed. And a judge granted that wish with a 16-month prison term.
Joseph Bissell, in custody at HMP Portland, refused to attend for sentence at Bristol Crown Court. The court heard the 26-year-old, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to two breaches of a stalking order and making threats to kill.
Judge James Patrick imposed sentence in his absence. He said: "A mental health disposal has been ruled out. I feel the court must continue on sentence."
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The judge urged that, in custody, Bissell is the subject of a forensic psychological assessment. He said Bissell will need 'significant' support on his release and would require close monitoring on licence, including living in approved premises and alcohol and drug testing.
Meabh McGee, prosecuting, said in August 2022 Bissell was made the subject of a Stalking Protection Order regarding two women. He admitted sending them emails and he was jailed for 30 weeks.
But the court heard after his release he breached the SPO again with further messages, said his chosen fate was to go to prison, and threatened to kill one of them. The judge said Bissell was deemed fit to plead to charges but was diagnosed as having autism and a depressive disorder.
