A MAN has appeared in court after police found him in his car with three kitchen knives.

Paul William Clixby, from Darlington, pleaded guilty to possessing the knives when he appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday, March 24).

The 21-year-old, of Arkle Crescent, also admitted taking a claw hammer into the Dalesman pub in Victoria Road, Darlington, on December 27 and threatened to kill the people drinking there.

David Lee, prosecuting, said Clixby had called police on February 28 and told them he wanted to hang himself.

When they arrived they found him in his car in Clifton Road with a rope and three kitchen knives.

Probation officer Mo Sibert told the court Clixby had a history of drug and alcohol abuse and had mental health problems.

She added: “He’s going to have to seriously focus on a court order. If he wants the help it’s there.”

Sonny Lawson, mitigating, said: “It’s a cry for help. Whether he takes that help is up for him.”

Judge Martin Walker gave him an 18 month community order and told Clixby to pay costs of £145.