Man found with clown mask and crossbow near hospital grounds jailed
A man caught lurking in darkness near the grounds of a city hospital carrying a crossbow, clown mask and duct tape has been put behind bars.
A worried member of the public alerted the police when they saw Kevin Bond wearing a black raincoat, with the weapon sticking out of it, near Sunderland Royal Hospital after midnight on June 15.
Newcastle Crown Court heard when firearms officers arrived at the scene they seized the crossbow, which Bond had hidden in bushes.
Prosecutor Charlie Thompson said: "His bag was searched and concerning items were recovered within, including a clown mask, duct tape, a camera and a drone."
Mr Thompson said bolts for the crossbow were also seized from Bond, as well as 7g amphetamine.
Bond, 52, of no fixed address, admitted possessing the crossbow, crossbow bolts and amphetamine.
He has previous convictions for carrying weapons.
Judge Robert Adams jailed him for 10 months and told him: "You were seen by a member of the public near the grounds of Sunderland Hospital wearing a long black raincoat and crossbow sticking out of it.
"It would have been a terrifying sight for anyone."
Judge Adams said crossbows are "deadly weapons".
The court heard Bond has since claimed he had the crossbow for "ratting" but gave no explanation for the other items.
Helen Towers, defending, said Bond, who has never been to prison before, has used his time in custody to detox from amphetamine.
The court heard Bond had been living homeless and had poor mental health.