POLICE searching for a man reported missing found him with three BB guns, two knives, scissors and a lump hammer, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

Conner Ratcliffe, who has serious mental health problems, was under the influence of drugs and alcohol when he was discovered on a car park at 4am on November 9 last year.

Ratcliffe, 28, of Ovenden Road, Halifax, had the three imitation guns tucked down his jacket and the two small kitchen knives and some cannabis in a bag.

He was located at Crib Lane in Halifax after his partner reported him missing.

He pleaded guilty to possession of three imitation firearms in public, two knives and simple possession of cannabis. No charges were brought for the scissors and the lump hammer.

Ratcliffe’s barrister, Abdul Shakoor, said his client never produced the items or had any intention of using them. They were entirely for his own protection.

He had mental health problems after a troubled and traumatic childhood.

He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for two years, with 40 rehabilitation activity days.

Judge Andrew Hatton said the probation and psychiatric reports set out Ratcliffe’s mental health problems and there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation in his case.