A MAN has been handed a suspended sentence for having an axe in Bournemouth town centre.

Kevin Garth Bullock appeared before Poole Magistrates' Court on January 4 in relation to the incident in Commercial Road on November 6 last year.

Bullock, aged 38, was alleged to have had the black axe in public without good reason or lawful authority.

The defendant, whose address was given as Chine Crescent, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to the single charge.

District Judge Stephen Nicholls committed Bullock to prison for six weeks, suspended for 12 months, with requirements to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work.

The offender was also ordered to pay a £128 surcharge and £85 costs.

The judge ordered that the axe be forfeited and destroyed.

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