Man 'threatened to kill' former friend in Leicester city centre Greggs

A man threatened to kill his former friend who was passing by as he ate a Greggs in Leicester city centre. Kalpesh Chohan was also seen swearing at the man he used to play football with.

The incident at about 11.35am on Sunday, July 7, at the Greggs in the city's Gallowtree Gate when both the victim and Chohan were eating inside the restaurant. Leicestershire Police were called and the victim told officers that Chohan had regularly threatened him. However, he said the reasons behind the 45-year-old's threats were unknown.

At Leicester Magistrates' Court on Monday (November 25), it was heard how Chohan, of no fixed address, had screamed a threat to kill the man. Prosecutor Vishal Patel said that Chohan had screamed: "You come outside and I'll kill you."

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He said the victim had no idea what had made Chohan dislike him. Mr Patel said: "The victim has known Mr Chohan for approximately nine years. They used to play football together and he never had a problem with him.

"In about March 2024 the defendant came to his family address and was threatening him, using explicit language. The victim does not understand why he has done this."

He said the victim was "becoming sick" of Chohan's behaviour. He said: "Every time he sees him he threatens him and chases him around."

Regarding the Gallowtree Gate incident, Mr Patel said: "The victim said he genuinely believed Mr Chohan would act on his threats and was extremely scared at that point."

Roshni Modi, representing Chohan, who had 17 previous offences on his record, said her client could not remember threatening to kill the man but accepted it. She said Chohan had paranoid schizophrenia and one symptom of that was "erratic behaviour".

She said: "He does extend his apologies to the victim." She said Chohan was on benefits and already subject to two court orders for recent convictions.

Chohan, who pleaded guilty to using threatening behaviour with intent to cause fear of violence, was fined £120 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £48 victim surcharge.