A man wearing a clown mask pointed a ‘hunting knife’ at people in Portadown before running in the direction of a primary school, Craigavon Magistrates’ Court was told.
Aaron Killops (40), of Union Street in Portadown, has pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon – what is described on his charge sheet as a ‘hunting knife’.
He also admitted putting three people in fear of assault and possession of cannabis on Sunday, August 18 last year.
A prosecutor told the court that at 6.45am police received a call “in relation to a male wearing a mask brandishing a knife in the vicinity of Festival Road”.
She added: “Police arrived on the scene and were met by the injured parties who advised that the defendant, was sitting outside their house wearing a clown mask.
“When confronted the defendant brandished what appeared to be a knife and had pointed it towards the injured parties before running off in the direction of Edenderry School”.
Police attended the defendant’s address and during a search there a “white clown mask, a knife, a crossbow and a small amount of cannabis, a grinder and a joint were seized from the defendant. He was the only person present at that address”.
The case was adjourned to May 2 for a pre-sentence report.
The defendant was released on bail with conditions including not to enter Festival Road and is not to be under the influence of alcohol.
Deputy District Judge John Connolly told the defendant there was a “risk of custody” when the case is back at court.
