A MAN who wandered into a supermarket with a knife whilst "off his head on something" has been spared jail.

Michael Griffiths, of Clwyd Street in Shotton, appeared at Mold Crown Court for sentence today (Friday).

The 43-year-old had previously admitted offences of affray and possession of a knife.

Joshua Gorst, prosecuting, told the court that on April 26 this year, Griffiths entered the Smaczek Supermarket in Connah's Quay.

He brandished and 'waved' around a large kitchen knife and told staff he wanted money from the till.

Staff members Pavel Hassan and Magdalena Piotrowska dealt with him, during the incident - which lasted around three minutes.

Although she feared the defendant would attack her, Ms Piotrowska told him to go away.

And Mr Hassan offered to buy the knife from Griffiths for £10 in an effort to de-escalate the situation.

Upon hearing the offer, Griffiths actually put the knife on the till and then selected a drink, before paying for it and leaving.

The court saw footage of the "bizarre" incident, in which Griffiths was wearing a head torch - in daylight hours.

It was believed the defendant was under the influence of some substance.

After viewing the footage, Judge Rhys Rowlands remarked: "To adopt the vernacular, he was plainly 'off his head' on something."

Mr Gorst explained Griffiths was arrested and interviewed the next day and initially denied he'd been to the supermarket, as well as possession of the blade.

But that changed when he saw the CCTV; he accepted it was him but he could not recall his reason for having the knife.

Jemma Gordon, defending, told the court her client believed he'd been 'spiked' with some illicit substance prior to the offence.

She said: "He has previously struggled with substance misuse but is now engaging with drug services.

"He demonstrates insight into his issues and when he spoke to me this morning he was disappointed that he wouldn't be able to do unpaid work because he is on ESA.

"It is something he'd have wanted to do.

"He has spent a significant time on electronic curfew and hasn't breached that."

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Judge Rhys Rowlands said: "You were out on High Street carrying a large kitchen knife - you had no business carrying a knife in public.

"Your behaviour was fraught with risk.

"Week in week out, hospitals and the courts up and down the country are seeing people and are dealing with the consequences of knife crime.

"Those in possession of knives are always going to be at risk of immediate custodial sentences."

However the Judge found that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, given the steps Griffiths had already taken to address his drug use.

A sentence of 10 months in custody was handed down - but it was suspended for 18 months.

The defendant must undertake 20 days of rehabilitation activity and comply with an additional two months of electronic curfew.

He must also pay a £187 victim surcharge.