Man carried lock knife to deter people from picking on him

Man carried lock knife to deter people from picking on him

A local man appeared at Llanelli Law Courts today (July 12) accused of possession of a lock knife in a public place.
Stephen Roberts, age 33 of Station Road Llanelli pleaded guilty before District Judge Nigel Hodgkinson to the offence which took place on June 27. The court heard that Roberts was caught with the bladed article after PCSO’s detained four individuals in Stepney Place on an unrelated matter.
Abul Hussein prosecuting said; “A police constable also attended the scene on the afternoon of June 27 and upon searching Roberts who had a black holdall with him, found the lock knife contained inside. Roberts stated twice to the police that it was his knife and it was for public protection due to people picking on him previously.”
Kate Williams representing stated that her client had a catalogue of health issues including a history of drugs which had been addressed and that he was now on prescribed medication. She added that her client also had been diagnosed with COPD and that the bladed article was in the bag but there had been no suggestion that he was going to use it.
A representative from the probation service said: “The defendant accepts carrying a knife was foolish and he won’t do it again.”
She added: “He was attacked by a group of 15 youths three years ago and was put into a coma as a result of injuries sustained which has resulted in damage including permanent brain damage as a result of the attack. Roberts said he’s fully aware of danger posed to the public with regards to knife crime.”
District Judge Nigel Hodkinson awarded full credit but punished Roberts by way of a 12 month community order with a 20 day RAR requirement attached. He was sentenced to 3 months in custody suspended for 12 months.
The District Judge concluded: “People who carry lock knives normally go straight to prison. I could send you straight to prison for this offence. However your health issues would make things difficult in the prison system. You could have used the knife and shouldn’t have had it in public.”
Roberts was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a victim surcharge of £115. A forfeit and destruction order was made on the weapon.