A man seen carrying an axe outside his home feared his work van may be targeted by thieves, a court heard.
Neighbours contacted police as they were concerned at seeing Brady Cameron Dixon wandering around Ward Terrace, Wolsingham, carrying a throwing axe, at 9.20pm on Friday March 27.
Peterlee magistrates were told that when officers went to the scene and spoke to him, Dixon told them he was worried people were interfering with his van parked outside his home.
Adam Scott, prosecuting, said CCTV in the area was checked and no vehicle interference was seen or even anyone loitering in the vicinity at the time.
The 27-year-old defendant of Ward Terrace, admitted possessing a bladed article in public.
Elizabeth Aisbitt, for Dixon, said at no time while Dixon was carrying the axe was there a suggestion of a confrontation with anyone in the street.
“He even put the axe on a wall before having a conversation with a neighbour.
“He was concerned for the security of his work vehicle.
“His work tools etc, were in the van and he was looking for self-employed work at the time.
“He thought he saw individuals loitering around and wanted to scare them away.
“But the only conversation he had with anyone was when he put it on the wall and he was no threat to anyone.”
Miss Aisbitt said the defendant was taking cannabis regularly at the time but has now stopped using the drug of his own volition, improving his mental health in doing so.
She said that at the time he was looking for work, but he has now got a job which he starts this week, and so there have been changes in his lifestyle since the incident.
Miss Aisbitt added that it appears his neighbours were concerned for the defendant’s mental health and well-being at the time.
The magistrates decided to adjourn the sentencing of the defendant to allow the Probation Service to prepare a report into his background.
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Magistrates’ chair Lois Neale told Dixon: “There may be issues there which need addressing and engaging with the Probation Service may be of assistance to you.
“Be open and honest with them.”
She wished the defendant well with his new job and bailed him to attend court, at Newton Aycliffe, for the sentencing hearing, on June 18.
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