Prison sentence for Waringstown man who had a knife

A 21-year-old man was sentenced to four months in prison last Thursday at Banbridge Magistrates Court for two offences.
Crown Court newsCrown Court news
Crown Court news

Christopher David Walker, Banbridge Road, Waringstown, at a previous court, had admitted charges of disorderly behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon on October 31 this year.

For each offence he was sentenced to four months in custody with the terms to run concurrently.

The case had been adjourned so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

Last week’s court heard that in Newry Street, Banbridge, the defendant was shouting and using the usual foul mouthed diatribe.

He was seen to square up to another male and was warned about his behaviour.

Walker, who was intoxicated, continued to shout obscenities and was challenging people around him to a fight.

When he was arrested he handed over a knife which he had in his possession.

A barrister representing the defendant said Walker was in breach of suspended sentences.

He explained that his client had mental health issues and was on medication and what happened was a reaction to his medication.

He was slurring his speech and having dizzy spells.

The barrister added that Walker had very little recollection of what happened.

He lived on a farm and had been using the knife which he voluntarily gave to police and was not used at any time during the incident.

He said Walker had received a suspended sentence in October and there was some suggestion that he might be bi-polar.

Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer said that Walker, who had squared up to someone, had previous convictions, including disorderly behaviour, and had received a suspended sentence.

“You have had one last chance three or four times but I am not inclined to give you another last chance,” the judge told Walker.

“You have well and truly crossed the Rubicon.”

Imposing a concurrent sentence of four months on each charge the judge also invoked the suspended sentences, also to run concurrently.

Walker was later released on his own bail of £400 to appeal against the sentence.

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