AN ex-serviceman from Barrow who phoned for an ambulance to tell them he was going to self-harm after brandishing a knife at a bus stop has been given a curfew order.

Michael Milligan, 39, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Abbey Road, appeared before Furness Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in a public place in Abbey Road on November 14.

Milligan purchased a hunting knife for self-protection following the murder of Lee Rigby in 2013. The defendant feared that as a former member of the military he may be at risk from a similar extremist attack.

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Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told the court that the ambulance service contacted police to warn them of Milligan's intentions.

When police arrived, the defendant pulled the blade out of his coat pocket and put it on the floor.

He also added that Milligan had tried to self-harm before by taking paracetamol but told police in an interview that he wanted to try a different tactic.

Mrs Maureen Fawcett, defending, said that her client is receiving community treatment for his mental health problems and added that he could be suffering from borderline personality disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder.

Presiding magistrate, Mrs Lynne Slavin, told Milligan that the bench had to take a serious view on anyone brandishing a potential weapon in a public place.

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However, the bench took into account the circumstances surrounding the incident and the defendant's mental health issues as they gave him a curfew order, which means he must remain indoors at his home address between 7pm and 7am for the next 12 weeks.

He must also pay court costs of £85 as well as a victim surcharge of £85, which is to be taken out of his benefits. The court ordered for the 3.75 inch blade to be destroyed.