A MAN who took a sword to a town centre pub to show his friend has been given a suspended prison sentence.

John Sloan, 60, had purchased the nine-inch blade from an antique shop earlier that day and was unaware of the seriousness of carrying the item in public, Workington Magistrates’ Court heard.

Outlining the case, prosecutor Graham Tindall said police received a report of a man with a knife or sword in The Whittington Cat pub in Whitehaven at 9pm on Friday, July 28.

Sloan fitted the description given to police. There was a bag next to him with the handle of a blade showing.

Mr Tindall said the defendant had bought the sword that day and “clearly should have taken it straight home, not to the pub.”

The court heard that Sloan had a previous conviction for possessing a knuckle duster.

Sloan, of Meadow Road, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife or sharp pointed article in a public place.

John Cooper, defending, said: “It’s from Egremont Antiques. He bought it in Egremont earlier that day. The plan was to take it home.

“Unfortunately, he’s come back into Whitehaven. Showed his friend the item in the beer garden. Police attend.

“If he had been walking home with it, he would have had a defence.

“He’s kicking himself. I don’t think he realised at the time, doing so would put him in such a position.”

A probation officer said Sloan hadn’t intended to use the item for anything other than to add to his collection at home. He is no longer going to collect knives, the court was told.

Sloan was sentenced to six months in custody, suspended for 12 months. He must also pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge.