A MILITARY veteran has been handed a suspended prison sentence for an Eden Valley knife crime.
Karl Mowatt, 37, came to the attention of police following an incident in Penrith during which three youths saw an air weapon dangled from a car, and called police amid concern for Mowatt’s wellbeing.
He was stopped by officers in Appleby 20 minutes later, on May 29 last year. He was found to be in illegal possession of a lock-knife, which was in his pocket.
Mowatt of Britannia Close, Stanningley, Pudsey admitted having a bladed article in a public place, and also admitted possessing personal use amounts of heroin and amphetamine.
He was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court today (TUES), when a judge heard of “complex and severe” mental health issues, following Mowatt’s military service in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo.
After considering thorough background reports and mitigation, Recorder Ahmed Nadim suspended a three-month jail term for two years. Mowatt must also undergo rehabilitation and specialist medical treatment.
