AN ice cream man escaped a jail sentence after being caught with a collection of weapons that he claimed were to open boxes of cornets and flakes.

Grant William Minchion, aged 23, of Vulcan Close, Padgate, pictured above, was stopped by Cheshire Police on October 14 when officers found the weapons.

Neil Audley, prosecuting, told Halton Magistrates’ Court how Minchion had nunchucks, a type of martial arts weapon, a throwing knife, lock knife and Stanley knife in the vehicle.

Though the court heard how the throwing knife and Stanley knife did not belong to him after a letter from an associate who used to travel with Minchion confirmed that he was in fact the owner.

John Barnes, defending, said: “To some extent, he didn’t realise the seriousness of the crime — he does now.

“He is a very worried man and accepts full responsibility.”

At court earlier this month, Minchion admitted two counts of possessing an offensive weapon and two counts of possessing a bladed article in a public place.

The court heard Minchion has no previous convictions and that there was no allegation any of the weapons had been used to commit a crime.

The defendant no longer has the ice cream van and is now on benefits.

“I have never come across anybody that is so remorseful. He is a man of good character,” added Mr Barnes.

Minchion, who suffers from long-term depression and anxiety, got married on November 15 and had his wife, as well as other family members, in court to support him.

The court handed Minchion a 12-month community order, including 150 hours of unpaid work, and £85 court costs.