A MAN, who was armed with a pepper spray canister during a night out in Warrington town centre, is now behind bars after admitting carrying the can for self-defence reasons. 

Ryan Evans, of Winmarleigh Street, was sentenced to 10 months in prison at Chester Crown Court on April 6 after being convicted of possession a weapon for the discharge of a noxious gas.

The court heard how the 23-year-old was arrested by officers on January 28 at 12.15am after police were called to deal with fight which had broken out on Bridge Street involving Evans.

The incident was caught on CCTV and officers were immediately called to the area.

A CCTV operator was able to guide police to Evans, who was stopped by a police officer on Academy Way.

But moments before he was detained by officers Evans tried to conceal the canister in nearby bushes.

A search by one of the officers quickly uncovered an American-style Pepper Spray NATO.

He was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a section five firearms offence and taken into custody to be questioned.

During interview, he admitted use and possession of the item and stated that he had carried it for self-defence. 

Graham Davies, police officer, said: "The police and courts take possession of any offensive weapon in a public place very seriously.

"This is reflected in the sentence handed down to Ryan Evans. 

"His excuse that he carried the pepper spray for self-defence did not carry much weight and this is reflected in the custodial sentence. 

"The law limits the possession of this kind of article to those authorised by the Home Secretary – anyone else can face arrest and the possibility of robust action by the courts."

Evans was also ordered to pay £100 as well as forfeiture and destruction of the pepper spray.