Knife man apologises to town
An out-of-work bricklayer has apologised to the people of Ludlow following a stand-off in the town in which he threatened to kill himself with a knife. Michael Lockett, 34, of Sandpits Road, Ludlow, became agitated after his ex-girlfriend refused to speak to him.
Michael Lockett, 34, of Sandpits Road, Ludlow, became agitated after his ex-girlfriend refused to speak to him in the street.
A court heard Lockett threatened to kill himself and police had to seal off the town while trained officers tried to calm him down and persuade him to give up his knife.
Lockett appeared at Ludlow Magistrates Court yesterday and apologised for what he had done. He said: "I would just like to say sorry to the people of Ludlow, to my ex-girlfriend and to her friend. I never wanted it to go that far."
The court heard Lockett had recently been separated from his girlfriend of 10 years, Sarah Patrick.
He said: "At the time I was in love and hurt and I realise that I was very stupid."
Lockett admitted possessing an offensive bladed weapon and causing harassment, alarm or distress to others in Ludlow town centre on October 6.
He was given a two-month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work in the community. He was also told not to have any contact with Miss Patrick.
Mr Andrew Burke, prosecuting, said: "He produced the knife from his clothing and threatened to stab himself. Miss Patrick called the police and they arrived at the scene.
"It was late afternoon and there were members of the public around the town centre. The defendant did not relinquish the knife and the police had to cordon off the town centre for two hours."
Mrs Lynn Vowles, for Lockett, told the court her client had found the separation extremely difficult to accept and it had caused him considerable distress and anxiety. She added that at no time had Lockett threatened anyone else with the knife.
By Sally Jones
