A Lurgan man who flashed a knife at a member of the public who was in their car has been handed a £100 fine.
The 33-year-old’s barrister told court that the defendant had “struggled to cope” after finding his brother had “tragically died” but was now receiving “professional help”.
Peter John Brady, of Kilvoragh Park, pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place at Craigavon Magistrates’, sitting at Lisburn, on Wednesday, via videolink from his solicitor’s office.
Prosecution outlined that on August 15, at 3.30pm, a member of the public report that a male had approached their car on William Street, Lurgan, and had shown them a knife before placing it down their trousers.
A short time later, police tracked down the defendant, who matched the description which had been given by the member of the public.
Brady had been carrying a bottle of Buckfast at the time and a search was conducted, and during this officers located a knife in his left sock.
The defendant was arrested for the offence before the court and when interviewed made full admissions.
When prompted for a reason by Deputy District Judge Alan White, prosecution stated that Brady had said he was “having a rough time with his brother”, that he was embarrassed and that he was “just messing about”.
Defence barrister David McKeown stated that the defendant had “found his brother had tragically died”, revealing that the defendant had “struggled to cope” and on occasion “turning to self harming”.
Deputy District Judge White questioned if Brady would be someone who would benefit from the help of probation.
However, Mr McKeown commented that the defendant was now receiving “professional help” remotely, adding: “I am unsure if it would be a waste of resources.”
Deputy District Judge White said: “Given that you have no record, the particular set of circumstance and what has been said on your behalf, in particular that you have sought help, I am prepared to deal with this as a one-off.”
Brady was ordered to pay a fine of £100, along with an offender’s levy of £15, within 12 weeks.
