A Lurgan man who was found intoxicated with three knives in his possession has been sentenced to five months in prison.
Prior to sentencing the 26-year-old, the deputy district judge said: “You were carrying a knife on your person whilst totally intoxicated. I tell you, if this were in England it would not be before this court.”
Nathan James O’Hare, of Monbrief Walk, pleaded guilty to interference with vehicles, three counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place and criminal damage at Craigavon Magistrates’ Court on Friday, via videolink from Maghaberry.
Prosecution outlined that on June 24, at 10.30pm, police were flagged down by a member of the public on Castle Lane in Lurgan.
She told officers that a male who had a knife up his sleeve had tried to open the door of her car.
Whilst speaking, she pointed police towards the defendant, who was accompanied by a female, walking along Carnegie Street.
O’Hare attempted to climb a fence into the Tesco car park and fell into a bush.
Following arrest, the defendant kicked out, causing damage to the central console of a police vehicle.
Officers located a nine inch kitchen knife, along with two further knives in the defendant’s sock.
Following arrest, the defendant kicked, causing damage to the central console of a police vehicle. O’Hare had to be conveyed to Craigavon Area Hospital by ambulance.
Deputy District Judge Chris Holmes stated: “I take my views on these cases from Crown Court cases. You were carrying a knife on your person whilst totally intoxicated.
“I tell you, if this were in England it would not be before this court.”
Defence barrister Patrick Taggart admitted that this could have turned “nasty” if the knife had been produced.
O’Hare was sentenced to five months in prison and an immediate warrant was made for £250.
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