South Shields man took knife to police station 'to get locked up' in 'cry for help'
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Carl Farrell, who had been beaten up over drug debts, took the weapon into the station at South Shields in June "as a cry for help" and has been remanded in custody since.
The 36-year-old, formerly of Beach Road in the town, admitted having an article with a blade and was due to be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court today.
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Hide AdHis barrister Vic Laffey told the court: "The defendant went to the police station and effectively handed himself in.
"He was clearly having quite significant problems and certainly there was an element of a cry for help.
"It was a kitchen knife which he took from his home address then went to the police station with it.
"To walk from his home address to the police station is a very short distance."
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Hide AdMr Laffey said Farrell, who has previous convictions, took the trip to the station while armed "to try to ensure he got locked up".
The court heard Farrell has received intervention from psychiatric services but has nowhere to live when he is released from custody.
Mr Recorder Jonathan Sandiford QC adjourned the case until Friday so that the probation service can attempt to assist him with accommodation.
The judge told Farrell: "I can't promise you won't receive a custodial sentence on Friday.
"I want all options to be considered."
Farrell was remanded in custody in the meantime.