Homeless man who threatened to 'shank' passer-by at Chester Cross had lock-knife on him

Shane Edwards, 28, of no fixed abode, was said to have made the threat on July 27 at 1am, Chester Crown Court heard on Friday, September 13.

But the victim, fearing Edwards would be armed, took Edwards's arm and was able to restrain him until police arrived.

Edwards was found to have a small lock-knife in his jacket pocket.

Prosecuting, Nardeen Nemat said Edwards was vague about events when interviewed by police and "did not know" how the knife got there.

The complainant had been out with friends in Chester when, at The Cross at 1am, Edwards said: "What did your mate just say?"

He walked over and added: "Because I will knock him out and shank him."

He had three previous convictions for six offences, the most recent in April 2019 for threatening or abusive behaviour, for which he had received a community order.

That offence was for being abusive to staff at the Countess of Chester Hospital on March 26.

Ms Nemat added Edwards was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the offence at The Cross, and forfeiture and destruction of the knife was sought.

Defending, Peter Barnett said Edwards had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and accepted the circumstances and that he was going into custody.

He had not produced the knife or waved it around.

Judge Patrick Thompson noted Edwards had only completed one hour out of 70 on his community order and had failed to attend an alcohol treatment programme.

He told Edwards: "At 28, it seems for some reason your life has unravelled; it's very sad to see.

"This was an unpleasant incident. You will be aware there is a real problem of people carrying knives that ends in tragedy. There was a risk of serious disorder in the city. People have to be safe at night in the city of Chester.

"You have had difficulties with alcohol in the past; you will not have access to alcohol for the next five months, use this time well."

Edwards was jailed for 10 months.