A MAN who was carrying a knife around the Diamond in Enniskillen was “more of a danger to himself than others” a local court has heard.
Calum Carruth (20), of no fixed abode, appeared at Enniskillen Magistrates Court on Monday, via video link from prison, where he pleaded guilty to possessing an article with a blade in a public place.
At around 10pm on August 6th police got a report of a man, who thought people were “after him”, was carrying a knife at the Diamond in Enniskillen.
When police arrived they called out to the man, Carruth, and he pulled up his hood. The officers then noticed the handle of what they thought was a knife.
Carruth, who police said remained calm throughout the incident, was then searched and a knife was found tucked into his trousers. He told the officers it was a large kitchen knife he had taken out because he was paranoid, adding he knew he should not have it.
Solicitor John O’Kelly said Carruth had been a resident at Rossorry Grove at the time and had been remanded in custody since the incident as he had lost his place at the residence.
As a result the solicitor said Carruth had served the equivalent of a four month sentence.
Mr O’Kelly said Carruth had been at a “low ebb” at the time of the incident and had suffered from mental health issues. He said on the night in question he “was a danger more to himself than others.”
District Judge Michael Ranaghan said he appreciated Carruth’s difficulties, and said he would give him credit for his early plea and limited record. He sentenced the defendant to three months in prison, and activated a previous suspended sentence of one month. Both sentences will be based on time served.
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