Racist who threatened to stab Wednesbury security guard whilst transitioning between sexes before taking knife into court avoids jail
A racist who threatened to stab an Asian security guard in Wednesbury and then turned up to court with a knife has avoided jail due to mental health vulnerabilities after changing from a male to a female and then back again.
Daniel Lucarelli, 27, was Penellaphe, when caught breaking into the abandoned 24/7 Fitness, Hallens Drive, on September 18, last year. An Asian security guard attended the scene after a motion sensor was activated by Lucarelli, who was with two others.
Whilst being chased by the security guard as they ran towards Wednesbury Metro Station, Luarelli turned round, flashed his knife and said: "Come anywhere near me and I will stab you, p***."
When arrested shortly afterwards police found a lock knife, hammer and screwdriver in her bag but she claimed they was not intent on stealing from the property but was "exploring".
Lucarelli, from leafy Harborne Park Road, Harborne, admitted to officers racially aggravating threatening behaviour, threatening someone with a knife and possessing a blade in a public place and was charged under the name Penellaphe. She also claimed to be carrying the knife due to feeling suicidal as "was transitioning" between sexes, the prosecution explained.
After missing the plea hearing at Dudley Magistrates Court on November 5, this year, Lucarelli, now Daniel, visited the court the following day but whilst his belongings were being searched security guards found a three inch knife which landed him with another possessing a knife in a public place charge, under the name Daniel, which he pleaded guilty to.
Lucarelli appeared at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Thursday, as Daniel, to be sentenced by Recorder Rachel Brand KC, supported by his mother in the public gallery.
