A WIDNES man ‘made off’ from police with a knife before disposing of it down a grate.

Kieron Bellew, of Quinn Street in Widnes, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

Prosecuting, Kassem Noureddine told the court that on April 19 Bellew’s grandmother called the police after the 24-year-old left the property with a kitchen knife.

The court heard that police located him a short distance away, but Bellew ‘made off’ from officers, who noticed he had something on the right side of his leg.

The 24-year-old stood above a grate and dropped the kitchen knife, which was later retrieved after Bellew had been arrested.

Defending, Mr Dunn told the court that Bellew has schizophrenia and anxiety, and ‘shows remorse’ for his actions.

He was supported in court by his grandfather, who Bellew is living with while they try and find him his own accommodation.

“You will have seen within the news, media and TV the blight that is bladed articles,” said deputy district Judge Rowan.

“There is not a week or a day that goes by where this court is not sentencing people for possessing a knife.

“It is extremely concerning to this court that someone who has never been before the court before comes before it for this serious offence.”

Bellew, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 20 rehabilitation activity days and must complete 12 months mental health treatment.