A FORMER pupil at a York independent school avoided jail after being found with an arsenal of weapons and expressed an interest in high profile massacres.


Denis Dautovic, 18, had talked to a pupil about the Columbine school massacre in America, and "made references" about the potential of a similar attack at Bootham School, York Crown Court heard.


Denis, from Serbia, was a boarder at Bootham School when he allegedly threatened to slit the throat of a fellow pupil on March 26 this year, the court was told.


The pupil who was threatened called the police and when officers searched Dautovic's room, they found a number of weapons. They discovered three throwing knives, home-made knuckle dusters, an adapted fly swatter capable of delivering an electric shock, a catapult, a plastic bow and five tins of lighter fluid and a jar with a wick.

York Press:


Victoria Barker, prosecuting, said that during the conversation between Dautovic and the other pupil, the defendant said: "If you try to talk to me or any of my close friends I will go to your room and slit your throat."


She said the pupil claimed Dautovic had previously spoken about obtaining potassium nitrate, but when interviewed by police the defendant said he had no intention of doing so.


"The pupil said in recent weeks the defendant expressed an interest in high profile massacres, including the Columbine massacre in America, ", she added.


"The defendant said he had no motivation to do something like that."


Dautovic was appearing at York Crown Court after pleading guilty at York Magistrates to possession of a bladed article, two charges of possession of an offensive weapon and and another charge of possession of a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of noxious liquid.


James McGowan, in defence, said Dautovic threatened the other pupil after he heard the boy say something about him that hurt his feelings. 
"He did the only thing he thought he could do and lash out verbally. He was very angry."


He also told the court: "My client is someone who is curious in nature and intelligent and resourceful.


"The items were not intended to cause injury to anyone. This is not a person who is a danger to society. He is a young man who has to do some growing up very quickly."


The Honorary Recorder of York, Judge Paul Batty QC, told Dautovic: "This case is an extremely troubling one. On one hand you have amassed what can only be described as an arsenal of weapons. Some of those weapons have been made or can be adapted to incapacitate or even kill.


"You had a jar and a wick and tins of lighter fluid. You said you were going to take the lighter fluid home to your father in Serbia where it is in short supply.


"To say I am sceptical about that is an understatement.


"What gives the court the most concern is references you made to the Columbine school massacre and references about potentially doing something similar at Bootham School.


"The explanation you gave is that you didn't mean you were actually going to do that, you were simply speaking about the concept of how someone could do it and how easy it would be to do.


"If I thought for one moment you had a serious intention to do the sort of thing you talked about at Bootham School I would have no hesitation in imposing a lengthy sentence."


Judge Batty sentenced Dautovic to 16 months imprisonment, suspended for two years.


Dautovic attended Bootham School as part of a national scholarship scheme. He has been expelled from the school and will be repatriated to Serbia.


The school's head Chris Jeffery said: "It is clear to us in the light of today’s proceedings that this young man made very serious and deeply disturbing errors of judgement by having in his possession items which have no place whatsoever within in a school community.


"The safety and welfare of the Bootham School community remains our top priority, as ever. While we have no reason to believe that this is anything more than an isolated matter, we are currently concluding a detailed internal review of these events to ensure that we learn any lessons from them that can in turn ensure that we even better protect our community. 


"We have also asked an independent reviewer to support that investigation as soon as possible by examining, challenging and, if necessary, augmenting our conclusions."