AN angry man with a weapons arsenal armed himself with a baton and charged at his neighbours because they threw stones at his car.

Rafal Runo of Cheltenham Road, Evesham, admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and possession of a series of banned weapons in his home, including throwing stars, knives and knuckledusters.

The 26-year-old, from Poland originally, said he did not know it was illegal to own the prohibited items in the UK as he had bought them in TK Maxx or on eBay.

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Runo, speaking through a Polish interpreter, admitted possession of the baton in Evesham on November 30 last year, possessing offensive weapons in a private place (his Evesham flat), namely a knuckleduster, a baton, a Zombie knife, a throwing star, butterfly knife, a black knuckle duster ring, a gold knuckle duster ring and a blue plastic knuckle duster.

Worcester News:

GUILTY: Rafal Runo arrived at court.

 

He further admitted the production of cannabis - five plants for personal use - and possession of amphetamines, a class A drug, which he told officers he had been saving for his birthday.

Ralph Robyns-Landricombe, prosecuting, said the defendant was involved in 'a violent altercation' with a group in Cheltenham Road, Evesham, at around 1.30pm on November 30 last year 'after they had thrown stones at his car'.

He said: "The defendant has exited his property, also in Cheltenham Road, challenging the individuals and in his possession was a telescopic baton which was carried in his hand.

"In the CCTV he charges towards the address with the baton in his hand. He appears to enter the property for a number of seconds before existing with a baton in hand pursued by one of the occupants from the other address."

Police attended. The prosecutor said it was accepted that others had been 'verbally abusive towards the defendant'.

The weapons were found at Runo's address during a search. In a prepared statement Runo told officers the drugs were for his personal use and he had been smoking cannabis since he was 15.

Worcester News:

ADMISSIONS: Runo pleaded guilty to all offences

 

He added: "I do not sell or give drugs to anyone. If you analyse my mobile phone this will show that I'm not dealing."

Runo told officers he did not know the weapons were illegal to own, buying some on eBay and others in TK Maxx.

"I was growing (cannabis) to try and save some money. I'm sorry and now realise it's illegal to use and possess cannabis in this country" he said. Runo then answered no comment to further questions.

Julia Powell, defending, said the powered pallet truck driver was in fulltime employment and lived with his girlfriend, collecting the weapons as a hobby.

"Mr Runo is extremely sorry for what has happened" she said.

Magistrates imposed a 12 month community order to include 250 hours of unpaid work. Runo was ordered to pay a contribution towards costs of £185 and a victim surcharge of £95. A fines collection order was made, giving the court extra powers to recover the cash.