A DAD-of-nine pulled up to Warrington Youth Zone with a metal baseball bat after he heard that one of his children was being bullied.

Scott Griffiths, of Bridge Road in Clock Face, St Helens, appeared at Warrington Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

This was to be sentenced, having entered a guilty plea to a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

The court heard that on July 15, a witness saw a red vehicle come to an ‘abrupt stop’ outside Warrington Youth Zone, on Dallam Lane, at around 7.30pm.

An unnamed woman and Griffiths were seen to get out of the car, and the 40-year-old was seen holding a metal baseball bat.

Prosecuting, Tara Thomas told the court that the dad-of-nine attended the Youth Zone as young people were present that ‘had been bullying one of his children’.

Warrington Youth ZoneWarrington Youth Zone (Image: Supplied)

The court heard that CCTV footage showed Griffiths ‘swinging’ the bat around while outside.

“He just saw red,” said Jim Edwards, defending.

“He has never done anything like this in his life, and I don’t think he will ever do anything like it again.”

During mitigation, it was heard that Griffiths cares for eight of his children, three of which have learning difficulties.

Mr Edwards also told the court that the 40-year-old is the sole driver for the family, and sending him to custody would have a significant impact upon them.

“He has told me ‘we just can’t see how we are going to be able to cope’,” said Mr Edwards.

Griffiths, who has no previous convictions, was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

He must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work and pay a total of £239 to the court.

“We have given you a suspended sentence. You must not get into trouble in that period of time,” said the magistrates.