[A] WEST Cumbria man has been sentenced for having a meat cleaver in a town centre.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how Stuart Anthony Barrow contacted police himself to report that he was in possession of the eight-inch blade at Duke Street in Whitehaven on December 1. Barrow’s intention, he told officers, had been to “harm himself” with the implement.
Eight days later, the 30-year-old got in touch with police again after damaging a parked vehicle in Workington with a brick – a crime captured on CCTV.
Barrow later pleaded guilty to charges of having a bladed article in public and damaging property.
Judge Barbara Forrester heard he had been “crying for help” rather than seeking to hurt himself with the cleaver, and was also told of his “emotional wellbeing” issues.
But with the probation service having concluded that “progress” was now being made, Judge Forrester imposed a two-year community order.
As part of this, Barrow, of Bankside, Distington, must complete up to 30 days’ rehabilitation.
