Ballymena man caught with a knife for eighth time claimed he had blade because of 'previous death threat'
A Ballymena man caught in possession of a knife for a seventh and eighth time claimed he carried a blade "as a result of previous death threats".
Martin Alan Kerr (40), of Carnduff Drive, appeared at Antrim Magistrates Court, sitting in Ballymena.
On May 4 this year police received a report the defendant was shouting and holding a knife in the Glenravel Park area of Ballymena. Police arrived and saw him sitting on a wall. A knife was found a few feet away in grass.
On August 7 this year a male told police the defendant approached him and Kerr was carrying a knife.
When police spoke to the defendant they found a knife and cocaine. He was aggressive and erratic.
He was sentenced on charges of possessing a knife 'without lawful authority or reasonable excuse'; disorderly behaviour; assault; resisting a police officer; and possession of cocaine
The court was told the defendant is on remand in connection with an allegation of criminal damage arising out of the riots in Ballymena in June. That case was adjourned to November 21.
A defence barrister said the defendant regretted the knife incidents and knows he has to "wise up".
The lawyer said the defendant has "depression and anxiety" and had been carrying a knife "as a result of previous death threats". He said the defendant suffers from "insomnia".
District Judge Nigel Broderick said the defendant had six previous offences of carrying knives or weapons and these were the seventh and eighth offences.
The judge added: "It is always very dangerous carrying a knife. The implications are the knife could be used with serious, if not fatal, consequences."
The defendant was given a six months prison term. £500 bail was fixed for appeal of the sentence.