Metal bar owner heavily fined - The Evesham Observer

Metal bar owner heavily fined

Evesham Editorial 21st Aug, 2014 Updated: 20th Oct, 2016   0

A HGV driver who kept a metal bar in his vehicle for self-defence has been heavily fined.

Craig Smith, of Elm Road in Dudley, was parked in a layby opposite the B4084 in Drakes Broughton when police approached his Audi A3 about 4.30pm on May 17.

Officers could see the 32-year-old slumped in the passenger seat of the car and could smell cannabis so searched the vehicle, Worcester Magistrates Court heard last Friday (August 15).

During the search the two foot weapon, without the ratchet on top, was discovered behind the drivers’ seat.




The court was also told how Smith carried the bar in self-defence after an incident in Dudley when three youths had approached his car and attempted to get in.

Defending solicitor David Ollivere said: “It’s as a consequence of that incident that this has been put in the car, it was just a matter of a vulnerable man who wanted a little extra protection in this vehicle if another incident arose.


“He is ordinarily a very hard working man who doesn’t normally trouble the courts with bad behaviour.”

Smith was fined £420 for the offence and ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £42 victim surcharge.

District Judge Nigel Cadbury said: “I’m prepared to accept the report of the police officer that this was misguided rather than a deliberate intention to have a weapon that you were likely to use.

“Don’t do anything like this again.”

District Judge Cadbury also ordered for forfeiture and destruction of the weapon.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Evesham Observer newspaper.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Business Directory

From plumbers, to restaurants, we can provide you with all the info you need.