Newbury man ordered to undergo psychological treatment for Pangbourne weapons offences

A MAN has received a suspended prison sentence for having an array of weapons in public.

To make matters worse, Denis Andrews was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

In November, the 42-year-old, of Cherry Close, Newbury, pleaded not guilty to possessing an air rifle in public.

He also denied possessing a sword and a detachable, two-blade sword in public.

But he was convicted on all counts following a trial.

All the above offences were committed in Pangbourne on Tuesday, July 4.

Reading magistrates ordered pre-sentence reports to be prepared and on Thursday, November 23, Mr Andrews, who was legally represented at the hearing by Heulwen Everton, appeared for sentencing.

Magistrates sentenced him to six months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

They said a custodial sentence, albeit suspended, was necessary because of the public nature of the offences and the fact that Mr Andrews was under the influence of alcohol at the time.

In addition, to the suspended sentence order Mr Andrews was ordered to pay £500 costs, plus a statutory victim services surcharge of £154.