An Armagh man who was caught with a knuckle duster in his possession which he claimed was for “protection” has been ordered to complete an 18 month probation order.
The 27-year-old’s barrister told court his client had been subject to abuse of a “sectarian nature” but he accepted this was not an excuse for carrying such a weapon.
Conor Joseph McCague, of Greenpark Court, appeared for sentencing on possession of an offensive weapon in a public place at the city’s Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Newry.
Prosecution outlined that at 5.40am on October 13, of 2019, police were called to an address on Edenaveys Crescent, Armagh, to a report from a female requesting that a male was removed from the property.
Officers established that this defendant had come to the address after drinking in Armagh but having no money for a taxi asked for a lift from police.
They agreed but upon a search of his person, officers located a knuckle duster.
McCague stated that this was for “protection” and apologised to police saying that he was near the end of a probation order.
Defence barrister Bobbie Rea asked that his client was given credit for his plea of guilty.
He explained that McCague had been subject to abuse of a “sectarian nature” but he accepted this was not an excuse for carrying such a weapon.
Deputy District Judge Des Perry commented “It is time you grew up”, as he ordered McCague to complete an 18 month probation order.
