A former hospital cleaning technician appeared in court after attending a Newcastle doctors' surgery while carrying a hammer and screwdriver. Richard Brewis, 33, walked into Biddlestone Health Group in Heaton with the items, telling his GP they were for his own protection.
Police were called to the surgery on July 13, and Brewis admitted having the tools. He was arrested and later pleaded guilty to possession of a weapon in a public place at Newcastle Magistrates' Court.
Court details
Christopher O'Brien, prosecuting, said an officer approached Brewis and asked about the weapons. He admitted having the hammer and screwdriver for his own protection.
John Brown, defending, said Brewis has psychological problems and had been seriously assaulted while working as a cleaning technician at the RVI. He had gone to the health centre to see his doctor and had told him about the items.
Next steps
Magistrates adjourned sentence for a pre-sentence report and released Brewis, of Cheviot Mount in Byker, on unconditional bail. He will return to the same court next month.
