A man seen carrying a knife in Oxford city centre did so in a ‘call to help’, Oxford Magistrates’ Court heard.
Connor Hailstone, 27, was said by his barrister Sumita Mahtab-Shaikh to have been on his way to the hospital to meet his mother when he was stopped by police on June 18.
He told the officers where to find the kitchen knife and it was retrieved from his rucksack.
Ms Mahtab-Shaikh, mitigating, told the justices: “This was, I submit a cry for help.”
He had seen his GP and been referred to the community mental health team, who in turn referred him to a ‘crisis helpline’.
“He needs more than a crisis helpline. He is desperate for access to services,” his barrister said.
The court was told that the Weymouth native had moved from the Dorset coast to Oxford for a job. His employment came with accommodation and, when he fell out with his bosses, lost both his pub job and the roof from over his head.
Since his arrest he had moved back to Weymouth, where he was living on the streets or friends’ sofas.
Hailstone, formerly of Gloucester Street, Oxford, pleaded guilty to possession of a blade. He had no previous convictions.
The magistrates imposed a 12 month community order with up to 40 rehabilitation activity requirement days and £199 in costs and surcharge.
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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.
To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk
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