Malvern man waved knife around in Droitwich street, magistrates hear

Ian Peddlingham, aged 35, posed for the Worcester News putting his hand in the sky as he left the court on Thursday afternoon, (July 21). 

Only a few minutes before Peddlingham had been warned by magistrates a repeat of his offending would see him sent to prison. 

CELEBRATED: Ian Peddlingham walking out of Worcester Magistrates Court

Mehree Kamranfar, prosecuting, told magistrates a member of the public had spotted Peddlingham put the knife in a waistband near the Barley Mow pub in Droitwich on June 14 this year.

The prosecutor said the eyewitness moved away but concerned she watched from a distance as he then took the knife and waved it around, above head height, in Hanbury Road.

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Ms Kamranfar said no one had else had given a statement about the incident, but the eyewitness had said around six others were there at the time and watched Peddlingham waving the knife around. 

"It was a black, combat-style knife," the prosecutor told magistrates.

"He said (in interview) there was no way he would harm anyone. He said he was sorry."

Barry Newton, defending, said Peddlingham had brought the knife for his protection. 

The solicitor explained his client had lived in Kidderminster and resisted attempts from people there to become involved in selling drugs.

COURT: Ian Peddlingham appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

"He took the opportunity to leave and stay with a friend in Droitwich," Mr Newton said. 

"He was still getting calls 'come back to Kidderminster' - he was quite scared."

Mr Newton said he went on to be assaulted, suffering a broken jaw, with police now investigating that assault.

The solicitor added his client had mental health issues and was still suffering from the injuries after the assault.

"He has been stupid, purchasing the knife and going out in public," Mr Newton said.

Magistrates tell Ian Peddlingham 'don't go and buy another knife'

Chairman of the magistrates bench Elaine Bell said: "It is a very serious offence, it does what we call cross the custodial threshold."

Peddlingham was given a three-month jail sentence, suspended for a year, and was ordered to pay £185 costs and victim surcharge of £128.

The chairman said it was the court's expectation Peddlingham will continue to live at his mother's address in Russell Close, Malvern.

The chairman added: "We order forfeiture and destruction of the knife - please don't go out and buy another one."

Laughing, Peddlingham replied: "No I won't".