A DRUNK man who brandished a knife at a Wiltshire train station told police he was “showing off” and had “watched too many action films”, a court has heard.

Daniel Lamp had the blade at Trowbridge railway station just after 8.15pm on September 3, 2021.

He had stuffed it in his waistband but took it out to “adjust it”, when bystanders became scared.

Polish national Lamp was spared an immediate prison sentence after magistrates deemed there was work he needed to do with the probation service on his alcohol addiction.

The 39-year-old was spotted at Trowbridge railway station with the 3-4 inch blade, and when police spoke to him, he said it was the first time he had taken it out in public, prosecutor Asha Seenauth told Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (June 23).

“He said he did not have the knife with him to protect him or to harm anyone,” she continued. “He said he was drunk and watched too many action films, and thought he was showing off.”

Defending, Mark Glendenning said it was “an offence of stupidity rather than criminality”.

“He has taken the blade out for no apparent or good reason, after having some drink, he has adjusted it and has been seen by others on the train station.”

Mr Glendenning said that whilst Lamp, who is homeless but gave his address as the care of a property on Bath Road, Chippenham, initially denied he has an issue with alcohol, he admitted he did on the morning of the hearing.

Lamp, who pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place and failing to surrender at court, was given an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 18 months.

“We’ve heard what happened on the day you were seen with a knife,” chairman of the bench, Rachel Gowshall, said. “It’s a very serious offence.”

“You’re a big person, that would have been quite scary, especially if you were drunk.

“As we said, it’s usual for a prison sentence for this kind of offence. We think there is work you should do with the probation service, so we are going to suspend that sentence.”

During the suspended sentence, Lamp must take part in 20 rehabilitation activity days and 80 hours of unpaid work.

He must also pay total court costs of £213.