Last updated at 08:41, Friday, 03 August 2012

A BARROW man’s knife which belonged to his late dad is to be destroyed after he was caught with it in public.

Mr Peter Kelly, prosecuting, told Furness Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday that Jack Oldham was found with the lock knife when police saw him riding a moped while wearing no helmet on May 1.

The officer spoke to the 21-year-old and learned he had been disqualified from driving and found the knife and two tablets in his possession.

Oldham was arrested and told police he did not know it was an offensive weapon.

He said it was of great sentimental value because it belonged to his late dad and he did not wish to lose it.

He told officers he would keep the knife, which also served as a lighter, indoors at all times and had no desire to use it for any other purpose.

Mr Tystan Roberts, defending, told the court the knife was the only item Oldham had which belonged to his dad, who, he said, committed suicide on the defendant’s 21st birthday in November last year.

His dad had also left him a motorcycle which was sold to help pay for the funeral costs.

Mr Roberts said losing the knife would be the “ultimate penalty” for Oldham and added: “It was not to harm or cause fear to anyone.

“It was used as a lighter and, on this occasion, to tighten the brakes on the moped he was travelling.”

Oldham, of Egerton Court, admitted possessing an offensive weapon in public.

District judge Gerald Chalk sentenced him to a six-month community order with the requirement of a six-week curfew between 8pm and 6am each day.

Judge Chalk ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the knife and ordered Oldham to pay £85 costs.

First published at 16:29, Thursday, 02 August 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk