A HOMELESS man who was found sleeping rough while armed with a Samurai sword in Chard told police he would “whip it out” and threaten to attack people if they hassled him.

Somerset magistrates heard that concerned members of the public called the police, saying that they had seen a male in Chard in possession of a “long knife”.

When officers located John William Paul Belcher the sword fell out from the back of his clothing and he was arrested.

Belcher, 31, now living at an address in Fore Street, Chard, admitted being in possession of an article with a blade that was sharply pointed, namely a Samurai sword, at Coles Place in Chard on November 28.

Somerset magistrates, sitting at Yeovil, were told the police received reports about the defendant who they believed had a long knife hidden on his person.

Prosecutor Emma Lenanton said: “He was located and when he was told he would be searched the sword fell out from the back of his clothing onto the ground and it was seized and Belcher was arrested,” said prosecutor Emma Lenanton.

“When he was interviewed he said he had it for his own protection and told the police, ‘You try living homeless’.”

“He said he slept with the Samurai sword under his pillow and would whip it out and tell people to f*** off, which they usually did when they saw it.”

Defending solicitor Neil Priest said Belcher had been homeless and living on the streets of Chard for six months when he was arrested.

He said: “The sword was also used for cutting up food and opening cans etc and this is not an offence that was committed in dangerous circumstances.”

The magistrates adjourned the case until January 19 for a pre-sentence report to be prepared by the probation Service. In the interim period they released the defendant on unconditional bail.