Drug paranoia made man arm himself with kitchen knife

A young man from Hucknall became paranoid and armed himself with a kitchen knife because he thought people were trying to break into his sister's house, a court has heard.
A general view of Nottingham Magistrates' Court. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday January 4, 2012. Photo credit should read: Lewis Stickley/PA WireA general view of Nottingham Magistrates' Court. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday January 4, 2012. Photo credit should read: Lewis Stickley/PA Wire
A general view of Nottingham Magistrates' Court. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday January 4, 2012. Photo credit should read: Lewis Stickley/PA Wire

Scott Charles Junior Lansdale, 22, of Vine Terrace, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife and a small amount of cannabis at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday this week.

David Miles, prosecuting, said police officers had been called to the house on Clipstone Close, in Nottingham, on Thursday, February 4, and had chased Lansdale when he tried to run away.

Officers found he was carrying a kitchen knife with a five inch blade, and later discovered the cannabis when he was searched at the police station.

Laura Todd, for the probation services, said Lansdale had problems with drug use, mental health and accomodation.

She said: “He took a knife upstairs at his sister’s house because he was convinced people were trying to break in. He requires support.”

She said he had previously been sectioned under the Mental Health Act, but had been assessed and found unsuitable for further treatment.

The court heard that his paranoia had been caused by taking amphetamine, ecstasy and cannabis in the past.

Ms Todd said he had run from the scene because he panicked and because he was carrying the cannabis.

The court heard that Lansdale was unemployed and relied on his family for money.

Deputy district judge Timothy Gascoigne imposed a 12-month community order with a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement for carrying the weapon.

He told Lansdale: “If you have a knife again, the law says it is compulsory that I sentence you to six months.

“I doubt you would do very well in prison.

“Knives are incredibly dangerous things.

“If you need help - go and ask for it.”

He ordered Lansdale to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 prosecution costs. An order was made to destroy the knife and the cannabis.

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