Man caught with several weapons and cocaine

A man has been given a suspended sentence after police caught him with several weapons and cocaine.

Andrew Wilson, 23, from Mickledale Lane, Bilsthorpe, was sentenced at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to possession of 3.16g of cocaine and possessing three weapons - a baton, a 10-inch knife and a knuckle duster.

On January 23 this year, police spotted Wilson’s car being driven at speed in Mansfield Road in Edingley. Officers pulled him over and searched the vehicle where they found the Class A drug and the weapons.

Prosecuting, Alison Pallet said: “The vehicle was driving at speed (and) was stopped by police.

“When they spoke to Mr Wilson they could see a metal bar, which was a baton.

“They checked the car and also found a knuckle duster and knife. During the interview he said they were his and he was taking them to show his friend but he did not say who. He said the cocaine had been left in the car by a friend.”

However, Miss Deborah Bell, defending, said two days prior to Wilson being stopped by the police, he was moving house.

Miss Bell said: “For example, the knife was in a carrier bag with a number of DVDs, DVDs which were from his address. A set of baking scales were also found in the boot.”

She said Wilson had a personal interest in collecting weapons and over the years had built up a collection of them.

Wilson tested negative for cocaine in a drug test.

“This supports that the drugs were left in his vehicle,” Miss Bell said.

“There is nothing else to suggest it was a commercial supply. This gentleman is a hard-working man and lives with his mother and stepfather.”

District judge Andrew Jones also heard how Wilson cares for his ill grandmother, who lives locally.

He said: “There is nothing to suggest that he is a drug dealer. My view is that the circumstances it was found (in) are very unusual.

“The cocaine is the least of my concern - it is the weapons.

“You have have come within a millimetre of going to prison. The reference from your grandmother would strike a chord with anyone who reads it.”

Wilson was sentenced to 26 weeks' custody suspended for 24 months.

He was also ordered to do 250 hours of unpaid work.

“This is a real punishment because you work full-time and look after your grandmother,” said the judge.

Wilson was also told to pay £165 towards court costs.