A man who threatened people in the street with a crossbow while under the influence of drugs told police "I got my toy out, I told them that I would". He later claimed he was trying to intimidate a man who owed him money.
Damien Beynon, 29, was found in possession of the weapon when police were called to Bargoed, in Caerphilly, on October 26 last year. When officers attended, they saw the defendant walking back into his flat and approached him by saying they were in possession of tasers.
A sentencing hearing at Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Wednesday heard Beynon was placed in handcuffs and was asked what had happened. He said: "I threatened him with my weapon, he owes me money." While being taken to custody, he said: "I got my toy out, I told them that I would". The crossbow was recovered from the flat.
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When in custody, Beynon was found in possession of a snapbag containing white paste in his left shoe which was found to be amphetamine. The defendant, of Fire Station Court, gave a no comment interview but later pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon and possession of a drug of class B. The court heard the defendant had 12 previous convictions including possession of an offensive weapon.
Defence barrister Gareth Williams said his client had been in custody since October last year and said his previous convictions were more than 10 years old. He said the defendant's father and stepmother would have him stay at their home in Narbeth, Pembrokeshire.
Recorder Paul Hopkins KC sentenced Beynon to a community order of 18 months. He was also ordered to carry out a rehabilitation activity requirement of 25 days and a residence requirement for the remainder of the order.
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