Police seize 'knuckleduster incorporating a knife' from man drinking in car in Sunderland street

Police found a knuckleduster with a built-in knife when they searched William Palmer's Audi A4 on December 20, 2019.

A judge has said the weapon had no purpose other than to "seriously hurt people".

Newcastle Crown Court heard police had been alerted after the 40-year-old was spotted inside the vehicle, which was parked in Pensher Street, Sunderland, drinking alcohol.

Prosecutor James Howard told the court: "On the officer's arrival the defendant was obstructive and needed to be restrained.

"The defendant informed the police he had been living in that vehicle."

The court heard it was after police seized the vehicle that the weapon was found.

Mr Howard said the weapon was a "knuckleduster incorporating a knife".

Palmer, of no fixed address, admitted having an offensive weapon.

The court heard he has served a prison sentence for a similar offence since.

Mr Recorder Carl Gumsley said there are "glimmers of hope" that Palmer could now respond well to intervention

Recorder Carl Gumsley said: "This is an extremely unpleasant weapon, its only purpose is to seriously hurt people".

Palmer was sentenced to a community order for 18 months with programme and rehabilitation requirements.

Christopher Knox, defending, said Palmer has prospects of getting back to his career as a carpet fitter "if he gets some help".

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