A festival goer who was found in possession of a serrated knife in Newcastle over the August Bank Holiday weekend said it was for "protection".
Liam Walton was found with a four inch blade and a hammer when police searched his backpack at the Noughty 90s music festival at Leazes Park on August 27. When questioned, the 23-year-old claimed he had the knife in order to feel "safe" after being the victim of previous assaults.
Walton, of Whitworth Place, Walker, Newcastle, appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to be sentenced for possession of a knife. He had pleaded guilty to the offence.
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Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said police were on duty at the music festival this summer and were walking through Leazes Park at around 6.20pm. She said: "Officers became aware of an extremely strong smell of cannabis and noted a group of males and females sitting on the grass. They approached the group and the defendant was subjected to a search. In his rucksack, a four inch bladed knife and a hammer was found. He said he had the knife for protection."
Ms Armstrong added: "In interview, he admitted possession of the knife and said he had been the victim of previous assaults and had it as it made him feel safe and was a comfort to him. He said he had no intention of using it."
Paul Oxnard, defending, said Walton had no previous convictions and pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. He said: "Due to his appearance he had been the victim of a number of assaults. He had no intention of using it and was far more likely to run away. He is extremely remorseful." Mr Oxnard added Walton had also been studying engineering at Newcastle College.
Walton was given a 12 month community order and was ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid work.
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