Norwich man went into street with knife after argument

A 20-year-old man went out into the street with a knife following an argument with a friend, a court has heard.

Michael Mason, of Albany Road, off Magdalen Road, Norwich, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court yesterday where he pleaded guilty to possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in public in Albany Road on May 5.

Ben Brighouse, prosecuting, said Mason had been in an argument with one of his friends which ended up with him 'kicking wheelie bins over'.

Mr Brighouse said: 'His friend had taken his BMX bike which made him more angry. He picked up a kitchen knife, left his house ranting and raving, thought better of it, and went home.'

The court heard that Mason, who kept the knife by his side, returned to the house 'shouting' and was asked by his mother to put the knife back before leaving again. He came back a short time later, still ranting, and put the knife back.

Mr Brighouse said, in interview, Mason accepted he went outside with the knife but said he was not going to use it.

Simon Nicholls, mitigating, said Mason suffered from mental health problems in the past. He said someone had taken his bike in lieu of a debt and was upset and therefore went looking for them.

He said: 'He realised after a few minutes how stupid it was and went back home and did not produce the knife at any stage.'

The case was adjourned until June 2.