A man who was in possession of a wallpaper roller handle has been convicted of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place. 

Shane James, 26, of Newton Aycliffe, has pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place, when he apeared in front of magistrates.

A hearing at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court was told James was found in possession of a wallpaper roller handle in Ferryhill Market Place on Sunday, June 25.

The weapon was determined to be in violation of section 1(1) of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953.

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Magistrates gave James a community order requiring him to complete 60 hours of unpaid work, by July 23, 2024.

Additionally, the court ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the wallpaper roller handle.

James will also be required to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service in the amount of £85  along with a surcharge of £114.