Kirkby moped rider was armed with a hunting knife because of death threats

Police spotted Klayton Palmer riding a silver moped on the pavement of Albert Street, Mansfield Woodhouse, on July 19, said Lucy Woodcock, prosecuting.

They decided a pursuit would be unsafe as he wasn't wearing a helmet, but they later spotted him throwing a package over a wall.

When he was searched this time officers found a hunting-style knife, a small amount of cannabis, and the package contained crack cocaine.

The court heard he has a previous conviction for possessing a class B drug.

A probation officer said Palmer denied the cocaine was his and claimed he had the knife because of threats against his life “not thinking of the consequences at the time.”

“He has said these threats have reduced,” the officer said. “He has stopped going out to avoid conflicts. He had surgery following a road accident and will not be suitable for unpaid work.”

His solicitor said he deserved credit for entering guilt pleas at the first opportunity and is lightly convicted.

“This is his first serious offence,” she said. “This has been a bit of a wake-up call for him.”

Palmer, 18, of Cookson Street, Kirkby, admitted possessing a blade, class A and B drugs, and riding without insurance, when he appeared at Mansfield Magistrates Court, on August 7.

On Tuesday, September 1, he received a 18-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He was disqualified for six months and must pay £239 court costs.