A TEENAGER was spotted carrying a medieval broadsword near Hereford Cathedral in the early hours.

The blunt weapon, still in its scabbard, was seen in the possession of 18-year-old Martyn Smith by a police patrol.

Jo Barker, prosecuting at Worcester Crown Court said he was in an agitated state and told the officers: “Someone hurt my family and I'm going to find them.”

He admitted taking the sword from his mother's bedroom but insisted he did not intend to hurt anyone.

Smith, of Longmeadow, Red Hill, Hereford, admitted possession of a weapon in a public place on November 16 last year. He had a record of 12 offences including one for possession of a weapon in 2006.

Judge Alistair McCreath accepted that the sword was not dangerous because it did not have a sharp edge.

But he asked what would a member of the public think on coming across a drunken, aggressive youth who was armed at 2am.

He sentenced Smith to an 18-month community order with a five-month-long nightly curfew.

Simon Rippon, defending, said the sword was different to other blades which usually featured in court cases. It was more like a big, heavy stick.

He said Smith was now on medication to calm him down.