A man with a knife hidden in his waistband as he walked along a Lurgan street claimed he was under “death threat” and had it for his protection.
Scott Mayne (30), with an address listed as in Belfast, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife ‘without good reason or lawful authority’ in a public place, namely William Street in Lurgan.
A prosecutor told Craigavon Magistrates’ Court that at 5pm on Friday, February 24, this year police were on mobile patrol and saw the defendant walking towards the centre of Lurgan.
They spoke to him about “another matter” and then noticed he had a kitchen knife in his waistband.
The defendant put the knife in a bin and attempted to make off but it was retrieved and he was arrested.
He appeared at court via video link from prison.
A defence lawyer said the defendant, who had 83 previous convictions, had a “long-standing history of substance abuse issues”.
She said the defendant was told by police he is under “death threat” and he “had the weapon for protection”.
The defendant was given a four months prison sentence.
