Hammer was for '˜own protection'

And a hammer was found in his jacket pocket which he claimed was for his own protection.

Callum Evans (18), Park Road, Portadown, appeared on a series of charges last Wednesday at Craigavon Magistrates Court.

He was given 160 hours community service for driving while unfit, not having insurance and possession of an offensive weapon on January 23 this year. On the unfit charge he was also banned from driving for 18 months.

Evans was fined £100 and banned for three months for not having a licence and fined £75 for not having a vehicle test certificate. For the theft of a DVD on January 16 he was fined £100, ordered to pay a £15 offender’s levy and make restitution of £10.

The court heard that on January 23 police saw a moped go through a red light at Bridge Street in Portadown.

They spoke to the rider who was the defendant. His speech was slurred and he was unsteady on his feet.

Evans admitted that he had ‘smoked some blow’ and taken some legal highs.

He became agitated and was warned to calm down. When searched a hammer was found in his jacket pocket. He said he had been in trouble a few times beforehand and carried the hammer for his own protection.

On January 16 police were called to Tescos because of a shoplifter who was seen on CCTV take a DVD from a shelf.

They recognised the defendant and when interviewed he made no comment. The DVD was not recovered.

A barrister representing Evans said he had become addicted to prescription and non prescription drugs and had received a probation order.

He added that the defendant’s mother was with him in court and she would say that the probation order seemed to be working and Evans had calmed down.

District Judge, Mr Mervyn Bates, said that what concerned him was the combination of offences which meant there was a risk to the public.

He added that Evans had also been carrying an offensive weapon which could have added ‘fuel to the flames’.