A HOMELESS man who threatened to kill a dog for barking has been referred to mental help.

Christopher Evans, 27, was arrested after threatening a dog and its owner who were out on an early-morning walk in Newmarket.

Evans, who is currently of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to using words or behaviour to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Bury St Edmunds Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

The court heard dog walker Jeff Monkur was walking his dog near Newmarket clock tower around 6.15am on August 14 when he was confronted by Evans.

Wayne Ablett, prosecuting, said: “His dog was barking at the defendant because of his behaviour.

“He said ‘I’m going to kill that dog and get you as well’.”

In a statement read to the court, Mr Monkur said: “He was right up in my face and, at this point, I was concerned he was going to attack me.

“The verbal attack was completely unprovoked and I felt nervous for my and my dog’s safety.”

A member of the public called police when they saw Evans standing in the middle of the road, telling an old man to ‘shut his dog up’, the court heard.

Paul Booty, in mitigation, said Evans denied he had threatened the dog.

“His words were ‘control your dog’,” he said.

Evans also admitted assaulting a constable and resisting a constable in the execution of their duty, having tried to flee the scene when police arrived.

The court heard Evans had been referred to a mental health team in Newmarket.

Evans was released on unconditional bail while his case was adjourned for reports until September 13.