1 week Ago
A HOMELESS man who was caught carrying a knife on the grounds of Colchester Institute has been spared an immediate jail sentence. Daniel Flowers, 37, said he was waiting to meet a friend when he hid a lock knife in his clothing in November 2022. Ipswich Crown Court heard Flowers, who was homeless at the time, was being bullied and carried the knife so he could protect himself from people he claimed were threatening him.
Charles Judge, prosecuting, said Flowers had a recent conviction for knife possession which meant the judge had to pass a jail term. Flowers, of Skitts Hill, Braintree, admitted one charge of possession of a blade in a public place. Stephen Dyble, mitigating, said Flowers carried the knife because he was living on the streets.
He said Flowers had not offended in the two and a half years since and was now in secure accommodation. Judge Nicola Talbot-Hadley said the mitigation on Flowers' behalf was strong enough for her to suspend a sentence, and she accepted he had struggled living with Asperger's syndrome. Flowers, who was not a student at the Institute, was also ordered to carry out rehabilitation days and a mental health treatment requirement.
The judge said: “It seems you had been carrying a knife for quite some time beforehand for fear for yourself out of being homeless. “And, it seems you might have been threatened in some way before this and took the knife with you to try and protect yourself. “You have managed to reflect on that and realise it was a bit of a stupid thing to do, because it is possible you would be harmed if there were a confrontation.
” She continued: “You had a bad experience as a result of that condition and development issues that followed on from that. “You have been bullied in the past and one can see you have found life quite difficult in terms of social interactions. “You have some accommodation now which means you don’t have to wander the streets.
” Flowers was sentenced to five months in jail, suspended for 18 months, and an 18-month rehabilitation treatment, including 15 rehabilitation days. He must also pay a £154 victim surcharge which will be deducted from his benefits..
