Men found in camper van full of weapons in Sunderland - sword, knives, axe and cricket bats among arsenal discovered by police

Two men found sleeping in a camper van containing a collection of terrifying weapons have been put behind bars. 

Stefan Brinza was slumped behind the wheel while Marius Rezmelita snoozed in the back of the motor, which was parked in a lane behind St. Luke's Terrace in Sunderland on October 16, 2023.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the men had been to a party the night before and were found by the police in the vehicle in the early morning, after worried residents reported it as suspicious. 

Prosecutor Neil Jones said a selection of weapons, including cricket bats, an axe, a sword and a selection of knives were found inside the red Fiat camper. 

Mr Jones said both men appeared to be under the influence of drugs when the police arrived. 

Rezmelita, 42, of Donnison Gardens, Hendon, Sunderland, who has a criminal record and was on a suspended sentence at the time, admitted possessing two bladed articles, namely a claw knife and a folding knife and has been jailed for eight months.

Brinza, 29, of Richardson terrace, Washington, who has no convictions on his record, admitted possessing three bladed articles, namely an axe, sword and a knife. He has been jailed for six months. 

Mr Recorder Toby Hedworth KC said both men appeared to be "worse for wear" at the scene and told them: "There will have to be prison sentences for each of you."

The recorder made an order which means all of the weapons will be destroyed. 

Marc Atkins, defending Brinza, said the men had been to a party the night before and added: "He was in no fit state to do anything with the weapons."

Mr Atkins said Brinza has a good employment record and has worked hard in custody on remand. 

John Crawford, defending Rezmelita, said his client has sought help and been productive while in custody and has family commitments.