A JUDGE expressed both disgust and relief that a man had been too drunk to use the knife he was carrying before sending him to prison for three months.

Kenneth Crow, of Bays Meadow, Droitwich, appeared at Worcester Magistrates’ Court for sentencing, having already pleaded guilty to carrying a knife and being drunk and disorderly in public.

A concerned member of the public called an ambulance when they found Crow drunk on the Saltway, in Droitwich, on Friday, October 30.

When the ambulance arrived, the 51-year-old, who was lying on the ground, became abusive towards the paramedics as they tried to help him. It became clear Crow was carrying a seven-and-a-half inch kitchen knife, but he was too drunk to use it.

Ruth Edwards, defending, said Crow knew he had a problem with alcohol but was motivated to deal with it. Ms Edwards also pointed out her client cared for his sick partner, and was worried about what may happen to her if Crow went to jail for any length of time.

But district judge Bruce Morgan said: “A paramedic comes out to help you and you are rude.

“Carrying a knife is one of the great cancers of the age in which we live, and if they are carried they are invariably used.

“When they are in the hands of sober people, they are a worry. But when they are in the hands of a drunk and vile person like you they are frightening.

“It’s just lucky you were too drunk to actually take it out.” He sentenced Crow to three months in jail and fined him £100 – which was deemed paid for a day spent in custody.

l Your Worcester News was the only member of the media at this hearing.