A man accused of illegally possessing an axe on a Penrith street is to stand trial later this year.
Mario Kanovsky, 24, faced one charge when he appeared in front of a judge at Carlisle Crown Court this morning.
This alleges having an article with a blade or point — an axe — “without good reason or lawful authority” at Cromwell Road in Penrith on Sunday, 5th December.
Kanovsky pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was put to him by a court clerk.
Police had been called at around 7.50pm on that date amid reports that a man was in possession of an axe.
It is alleged a group of people, including a 15-year-old boy, were in the area at the time.
The court heard Kanovsky was submitting he had a reasonable excuse for possession of an axe on that date.
He appeared in front of Judge Richard Archer remotely, over a video link, and was assisted by a Czech interpreter.
However, his barrister, Judith McCullough, described the defendant’s command of English as very good.
Kanovsky, of no fixed address, is due to stand trial in front of a jury in the week of May 3. It is estimated that hearing will last around two days.
In the meantime, Kanovsky was remanded in custody by Judge Archer.
