A man who produced a kitchen knife while behaving bizarrely in Maryport has been sentenced by a judge.
Dylan James Gartland, 24, was initially involved in an exchange with a man on the evening of 11th August last year, telling him “I’m no pussy”, pulling out a knife and saying he “wasn’t afraid to use it”, Carlisle Crown Court was told.
He also said he was using Valium.
The man reported what had happened to his partner. She then drove around the area before leaving her vehicle to confront Gartland, who again produced the knife but then dropped the implement, appeared upset and was crying.
Police were called, Gartland was arrested and later admitted a charge of having a bladed article in public.
The man he initially spoke with described feeling scared when the knife was pulled out. “The female said although she wasn’t scared, she was angry about what had happened,” said prosecutor Rachael Woods.
The court heard Gartland, of Peatfield Road, Seaton, was currently in full-time work and well thought of by his employer, and in a settled relationship.
Judge Nicholas Barker imposed a two-year community order, ordering the defendant to complete a rehabilitation requirement, 150 hours’ unpaid work and a night-time curfew.
“Carrying blade, knives, is something which causes courts significant concern,” the judge told him.
“Those that have blades can find themselves in situations where they are using them and the consequences can be significant and severe for all those involved, and that is why courts take a dim view of people carrying blades of any sort.”
