THE alarm was raised in a supermarket cafe after a man was overheard saying he had two knives on him during a phone call.

John Sofield, aged 47, was arrested after customers raised the alarm with security staff at Sainsbury’s in Trinity Street on November 25 after overhearing the defendant on the phone.

Steve Woodman, prosecuting, said Sofield, of Crescent Road, Great Lever, was in the store’s cafe on his mobile phone and was becoming “animated”.

Police were called and he was found to have a knife measuring 12 inches and a four-inch knife in his bag.

When he was arrested, Bolton Magistrates Court heard, he claimed he had felt intimidated by a man and armed himself in case he came across him.

Stephen Teasdale, defending, said Sofield was on the phone to a crisis team when he caused concern to shoppers. He was said to be vulnerable.

Chairman of the bench Sandra Whittle said: “It is quite concerning that you were carrying knives.

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“A cook’s knife is not something that should be messed about with.

“You were also in a very public place.”

Sofield, who admitted possessing a knife in a public place, was sentenced to a 12-month community order, a 12-month supervision requirement, £85 court costs and was made to pay a £60 victim surcharge.