"He said he'd smash her face in and come back and kill her."
Hitesh Patel, aged 44, of Batley, appeared at Kirklees Magistrates’ Court after he threatened to kill his sister following a family argument.
The victim had expressed concern over his declining mental health when Patel flew into a rage. He tried to get a knife but was prevented from doing so by his brother.
The woman said that reporting the matter to police has caused difficulties within the wider community as it is not acceptable within their culture.
Prosecutor Robert Campbell explained that the victim was visiting her parents’ home on Clerk Green Street on December 28, 2018, when the incident happened.
Patel became angry and abusive towards his sister during an ongoing argument between them where she believed he was suffering from mental health issues.
Mr Campbell said: “He said he’d smash her face in and come back and kill her.
“He reached towards the kitchen for a knife but his brother stopped that from happening and pushed him away.”
In a victim impact statement, the woman said that her ordeal has put a huge strain on her relationship with her parents.
She said: “Within the culture, it is not acceptable to involve police in domestic situations.
“Mental health is also a taboo subject within the community due to a lack of understanding.”
She also said that she struggles to sleep and concentrate at work. The woman believed her brother’s health issues were caused by his misuse of alcohol and drugs.
She added: “There’s the constant worry that he may follow up on the threats he made.
“He has changed from a loving and caring person to somebody who is aggressive, volatile and paranoid.”
She has blocked Patel from calling her or contacting her on social media because of his constant threats towards her and her husband.
Magistrates heard that she is in fear of what he may do if he does not get help. She involved the police as a last resort.
Rachel Smith, mitigating, said there have been issues between the siblings in the past.
She said: “They’ve had a love-hate relationship throughout their life and he doesn’t accept he suffers from mental health issues in the way she feels he needs psychological assistance.
“On the day they’d been at the family home and there was a family argument which got out of hand and resulted in her calling police.
“His parents are very much supportive of his situation and him getting help.
“It’s clear she (the victim) wants him to get help rather than punishment for this offence.”
Patel pleaded guilty to common assault. He was fined £120. Patel will have to pay £85 in court costs and a £30 victim surcharge.
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