Mansfield man caught with blade outside “drugs den”

Jamie Bower was searched as he left the address, "associated with drug dealing in the past,” on Alder Grove, at 3.10pm, on April 16, prosecutor Sanjay Jerath said on Thursday.

A small knife and a small quantity of "white powder" were found on him.

Bower told officers he found the knife "a couple of days ago stuck into a tree,” and "didn't want any children to retrieve the knife," so he kept it in his wallet.

He has been dependent on drugs for 20 years, but was now "stable" on a Methadone prescription, and “engaging well” with drug workers.

He said: "It was a silly mistake. It's something I’ve never done before."

The 47-year-old, of Worcester Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, admitted possessing the blade.

He received a 20-week sentence, suspended for nine months, with ten rehabilitation days. He must pay a £128 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

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