[A] MAN accused of possessing two knives and an imitation firearm in public in a Cumbrian town is to stand trial before a jury.
Karl Philip Mowatt, 36, faced three charges when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).
Mowatt pleaded not guilty to having both a hunting knife and a lock knife in public – at Penrith’s Stricklandgate – without good reason or lawful authority.
He further denied possessing an imitation firearm – an air gun – with intent to cause fear of violence. This charge alleges that three named people were given cause to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them.
All three charges arise out of an alleged incident in Penrith on May 29.
The case was adjourned, and the defendant was told he is due to go on trial at the crown court on September 10.
In the meantime Mowatt, of Britannia Close, Stanningley, Pudsey, near Leeds, was granted bail by Judge James Adkin.