A man has been charged after being found in possession of a sword.

Aaron Banbury, 49 was found by police to be in possession of a scimitar sword, a knuckle duster and an amount of cannabis during a stop and search.

Banbury of Beverly Road, Weymouth, pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place, as well as possession of a controlled drug of Class B - Cannabis / Cannabis Resin when he appeared at Weymouth Magistrates’ Court.        

Nichola Reece, Prosecuting told magistrates that on Friday, February 23, police were in the area of Beverly Road ‘due to reports of drug taking.

Ms Reece said: “A vehicle was seen going into a garage on Beverly Road and all of the men were stopped and searched.”

This included Banbury who was found with a ‘knuckle duster attached to his house keys’ and a ‘sword with a blade of more than 50cm.

Magistrates heard that the sword had belonged to a friend of Banbury’s who he was storing it for after his friend was evicted.

Lee Christmas, mitigating said: “There is a huge difference in having these items in a private place than in a public place.

“The sword was ornamental, and he has been storing it for a friend for a number of years.

“He was given the knuckle duster which was designed as a key ring.”

Mr Christmas added: “The cannabis was not enough to make a joint.”

Magistrates issued a conditional discharge. Banbury must also pay costs of £85 and a surcharge of £26.

All of the items are also set to be destroyed.