Christopher Dunster, a 48-year-old man with one of the UK's longest criminal records, has been jailed for four months after threatening to stab a woman in the neck when she refused to give him her cigarette. The incident occurred on March 21, 2026, in Liverpool city centre.
Threat on School Lane
Maisey Corrin was walking to work shortly before 1:30pm when she stopped for a cigarette near the Quaker Meeting House on School Lane. Dunster approached her with another male and demanded, "Give me some of your rollie." When Ms Corrin refused, Dunster escalated the threat, saying, "Give me some or I'll stab you in the neck."
Prosecutor Frank Dillon told Liverpool Crown Court that the victim "froze" at the threat before leaving and continuing to her workplace. The second male, described as "chivalrous," apologised to Ms Corrin, but Dunster continued his harangue.
Extensive Criminal Record
Dunster's criminal record includes 163 previous offences, among them five for affray, ten for threatening behaviour, and seven for battery. His own defence counsel, Peter White, described him as "one of the most heavily convicted people in the country." White noted that Dunster has been homeless for as long as he can remember and struggles with accommodation and compliance with court orders.
White stated, "The sentences have just got longer and longer and longer over the years. He was on licence at the time. He has previous breaches of court orders. He was recalled on licence until, I believe, the 12th of June. He has served roughly five weeks in custody. In this day and age, that is probably equivalent to a 15-week sentence."
Sentencing and Restraining Order
Dunster admitted one count of threatening behaviour; an earlier charge of attempted robbery was ordered to lie on the file. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, he was sentenced to four months in prison. Judge David Swinnerton remarked, "You have a terrible record, with 163 previous offences. If the prosecution had pursued the attempted robbery, you could have been facing a much longer sentence."
Judge Swinnerton added, "You made a very unpleasant threat that you would stab her in the neck. I have no doubt whatsoever that would be frightening for her. Luckily for you and her, you did not pursue her any further. Someone more sensible than you was there to desist you in any event." A restraining order was also issued, banning Dunster from contacting Ms Corrin for three years.
Dunster replied, "Yes your honour, I agree," when the judge urged him to sort out his life, noting that he is "wasting your life in and out of prison."
