A man carried a knuckle duster because he feared being assaulted by his brother.
Appearing at Swindon Magistrates’ Court today (15 September), Jeremy Simon Robb pleaded guilty to the possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
Prosecutor Keith Ballinger said police officers responded to reports of a disorder involving weapons near the defendant’s home in Bosham Close in Toothill, Swindon, on 28 June this year.
The 35-year-old US citizen was located holding an alcoholic drink and covered in blood.
When he was spoken to by the officers at the scene, they noticed a metal object in his pocket – which was found to be a knuckle duster. Robb was immediately arrested.
In a custody interview, the defendant said that he “always carried it around” because he fears being attacked by his brother due to “ongoing issues”.
Charlotte Frizzell, defending, said that police were actually called to assist with her client’s welfare – after he was reportedly assaulted by a group of five males.
She said that Robb has been drinking to excess in recent months, in an attempt to deal with mental health issues that have not yet been addressed.
Ms Frizzell added that he suffers from eczema, and finds it hard to leave his house when it flares up – which results in him having suicidal thoughts.
Magistrates imposed a 12-month community order to address his drinking and mental health issues, with a requirement to complete 20 rehab days with probation.
He must also pay a fine of £80, a £114 surcharge and £50 costs.
