A homeless man who was found in possession of a knife has been jailed for two months.
David Shannon, who lives in a tent in a mid-Essex graveyard, admitted carrying a bladed article and appeared before Chelmsford magistrates for sentencing yesterday.
Beata Kopel, prosecuting, said police were called to the county court in New London Road, Chelmsford, on June 2, where 57-year-old Shannon was being drunk and abusive to staff.
She said as Shannon was leaving, a member of staff told police he was carrying a knife, and following a search a wooden-handled lock knife with an 8cm blade was found in his trouser pocket.
Stuart Cowen, mitigating, said: "There's a lot of anger and frustration in David Shannon's life, because of his circumstances."
He said Shannon's possessions were often stolen because he was homeless, and he carried the knife around with him to make sure it wasn't stolen.
Mr Cowen said Shannon had never threatened or harmed anyone with it.
Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife
Published Tuesday August 3, 2004
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article