Incident at HMO in Smethwick
Maciej Pelczar, aged 48, a tenant at a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on Rutland Road in Smethwick, threatened a housemate with two kitchen knives while drunk in October 2024. The court heard that both Pelczar and the victim shared the kitchen and bathroom but had separate bedrooms.
Prosecution Details
Prosecutor Shane Kenny outlined the case at Wolverhampton Crown Court, stating that on October 3, 2024, Pelczar was drunk and aggressive, holding two kitchen knives and threatening the victim. The incident was not immediately reported to West Midlands Police. Instead, a repeat incident occurred on November 25, prompting the victim to complain to the landlord, who then contacted the police. Officers arrested Pelczar at the address.
Victim Impact Statement
A victim statement read to the court expressed fear: "I have tried to reason with Maciej about his behaviour and demeanour when he is drunk - but he does not listen. I'm really scared that one day, when he is drunk, he will actually stab me whether that's his intention or not. It is like walking on egg shells when he is at home and drunk. I have not done anything wrong to Maciej and don't deserve to feel this way in my own home."
Defence Arguments
Defence counsel James Kumar said Pelczar was self-medicating with alcohol for paranoia, having lost his job and believing people were spying on him. Pelczar claimed he was making food when the incident occurred and expressed remorse. The court also heard that nine days after the HMO incident, Pelczar was seen with a knife at a Tesco car park, resulting in an 18-month suspended sentence imposed in January 2025.
Sentencing Remarks
His Honour Judge Perry noted aggravating factors including Pelczar's alcohol addiction. He stated the offence was too serious for a community order but that a custodial sentence was not disproportionate. However, due to good compliance with the existing suspended sentence, Judge Perry handed Pelczar an 18-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 30 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a victim surcharge. Pelczar, of Eastfield Road, Bordesley Green, had pleaded guilty to threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place at magistrates court on June 12, 2025, receiving 10% credit for a late plea.
