AN ABERYSTWYTH man who rang police to say he was being followed, wanted to kill himself and had a knife, has pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in public.

Aberystwyth magistrates heard last Wednesday that William Michael Paul Parker, of 2 Albert Place, had a “long history” of mental issues and had not taken his medication for three days at the time of the incident.

The court was told that Parker, 23, was found by officers on the steps of the former court building on Queen’s Avenue at 12.08am on Monday, 25 January, after he rang police to tell them he had a knife and a hammer.

Magistrates heard that Parker started to run and was eventually approached by officers near the North Road clinic, where he was compliant and dropped the weapons before being arrested.

Janem Jones, defending, told the court that his actions were “clearly a cry for help”.

“He was clearly upset and hadn’t taken his medication for three days,” she added.

In a statement, Mr Parker said he was “sorry” for his actions, and that he “realised how important it was” to take his medication.”

The case was adjourned until 24 February for a pre-sentencing report to be prepared, as well as allowing time for the probation service to make enquiries with the mental health service on Parker’s condition.

Parker, who has two outstanding community orders for separate offences, had his unconditional bail renewed. Charges of possessing a claw hammer were dropped.