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Man to appeal jail sentence imposed for possessing knife in Portadown town centre

The district judge said it was his job is 'to protect the public'

Craigavon Courthouse and a knife
Image for illustration purposes only

A man has pleaded guilty to possessing a knife at Woodhouse Street in Portadown.

Bruno Cardoso (28), of Garvaghy Park in the town, committed the offence on August 3 this year, Craigavon Magistrates’ Court heard on Friday.

The court was told police had “significant concerns” about the defendant’s mental health and he was deemed a “risk to the public” and to himself.

A defence lawyer said that after the incident the defendant had been taken to the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital but was discharged and is going to seek help for his health.

When searched during the town centre incident, police found a knife “but there was nothing untoward about his behaviour and he wasn’t wielding anything at anyone”, the lawyer said.

The defendant had a record for a “similar offence” a number of years ago and has another “similar” case due at court on August 13.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan said the case before Friday’s Court was a “very serious offence” and Cardoso had been convicted for a similar matter in 2017 for an incident which happened in 2015.

The judge said he did not know the “full picture” regarding the defendant’s mental health.

He said his job is “to protect the public”.

On the basis of the previous conviction he said the new offence had crossed the custody threshold.

The defendant was given a three months jail term. Bail in the sum of £300 was fixed for appeal but he is not to be released pending appeal.

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