A Portadown man, who has struggled with mental health problems, was apprehended with a knife late in the evening.
Court heard the 42-year-old told police that he used the knife during his employment to cut boxes and cellotape.
Sean Michael O’Neill, of Ballyoran Park, pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
Prosecution outlined that on November 2, at 11pm, police received a report of a man with a knife in the Killicomaine area of Portadown.
Officers stopped and located the defendant a short time later on Gilford Road and during a search located a knife on his person.
During interview, O’Neill told police that the knife was for work use and he used it to cut boxes and cellotape.
Defence barrister Ciara Ennis stated: “This was first before the court last week. We consulted and he instructed me to enter a plea of guilty.
“He does have a record but it is now of considerable vintage and there is nothing in the pipeline. Mr O’Neill is a man who has struggled with mental health problems.”
District Judge Steven Keown commented: “All the more reason for him not to be carrying a knife.”
O’Neill was ordered to pay a fine of £150, along with the offender’s levy of £15, within 16 weeks.
