A FARM worker has been handed a community order after carrying a lock knife.

Anthony Luigi Perruzza admitted the offence when he appeared before magistrates in Hereford on October 14.

The 42-year-old had been taken to the accident and emergency department at Hereford County Hospital by his father on September 2, prosecutor Ralph Robyns Landricombe said.

But he had left the hospital before receiving any treatment, and as his father drove him home, Perruzza started playing with a lock knife, and saying he was going to harm himself.

Police were called after Perruzza's father stopped at Bridge Sollers, where Perruzza got out and walked to the bridge crossing the Wye.

Perruzza first ran from officers, but surrendered the knife and was arrested after a taser was pulled out.

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Marilena Di Vitantonio, for Perruzza, said the farm worker had the knife as he used it for work.

"He has depression, and on that day he was very anxious," Miss Di Vitantonio said.

"His father took him from work to the hospital to get medication, as he had just moved and did not have a GP."

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The court heard Perruzza had left the hospital due to his anxiety about coronavirus, and that he is now receiving treatment for his depression and anxiety.

Perruzza, of Byford, Herefordshire, received a six-month community order and a £150 fine. He must also pay costs of £185 and a £95 victim surcharge. The knife was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.