Spalding man took knuckleduster to nightclub

Magistrates have heard that a Spalding man took a knuckleduster to a nightclub on a ‘rare night out’ because he had been attacked there on a previous occasion.

Mario Emacheoaie (23), of Pinchbeck Road, admitted possessing an offensive weapon - as well as possessing amphetamines and cannabis - when he appeared at Boston Magistrates Court.

Prosecuting, Fiona McLelland said the police attended a disturbance, described as being outside a Spalding nightclub in Westlode Street, at 4am on August 13, where a man had been assaulted.

It was said that Emacheoaie came up to the officers and started arguing with the victim, who had been claiming Emacheoaie had assaulted him.

Emacheoaie was arrested on suspicion of the assault and was searched, and a knuckleduster was found on him.

Additionally, he was also found with a snap bag of amphetamine and one of cannabis.

Ms McLelland told the magistrates there had been no threats made with the knuckleduster.

Mitigating, Michael Alexander said Emacheoaie had no previous convictions and was a family man who did not usually go out.

However, they said on the last occasion he had done so, he had been beaten up outside this same night club - so when his brother asked him to go there, he had decided to take the knuckleduster to defend himself. He said that Emacheoaie had told the police about the knuckleduster before they had searched him.

Mr Alexander said Emacheoaie did not need any intervention from the Probation Service as he did not normally take drugs but had bought these inside the club.

Emacheoaie was fined £500 and ordered to pay a total of £285 in court costs and charges.