Police caught a man with a knife in a Sheffield park

Benjamin Priest, 20, of Lound Road, Handsworth Hill, Sheffield, was found by police in High Hazels Park, Darnall, Sheffield, on January 6, according to a Sheffield Magistrates’ Court hearing.

Priest pleaded guilty during the hearing on January 7 to possessing the knife in pubic and admitted breaching a conditional discharge which had been imposed for obstructing a railway line.

Mark Hughes, prosecuting, said Priest was found by police obstructing a railway line in January 2018 and had appeared to be wanting to harm himself.

During Priest’s latest offence, he was found by police with a kitchen knife in a park, according to Mr Hughes, who stated he had been intending to harm himself again.

Gill Page, defending, said Priest’s mental health issues and depression have been made worse by alcohol.

Magistrates adjourned the case until January 14 for a pre-sentence report.