A MOURNER went to a funeral armed with a pool ball in a sock, a court heard.
Harrogate magistrates heard that police stopped Sam Cranfield in St Andrew's Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, and found the weapon in his jacket pocket.
When Cranfield, 19, pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon in a public place, the court heard he had received a three-year anti-social behaviour order (Asbo) - Harrogate's first - in January 2003.
Cranfield told police he was carrying the weapon "for protection in case some lads came for me at the funeral".
Yousuf Khan, mitigating, said Cranfield, of Westcfliffe Grove, Harrogate, had expected tension among people attending the service.
''He was fearful for his own safety and took the foolish step of taking a weapon with him,'' said Mr Khan.
Police made several arrests linked to the funeral, but Cranfield did not use the weapon or cause any trouble.
Court chairman Eric Fell ordered probation reports to be prepared and adjourned the hearing until October 13.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article