A BLOODY-faced knifeman prompted two 999 calls after he was spotted walking down Royal Wootton Bassett High Street with a nine-inch kitchen knife in his hand, a court heard.

Now, knifeman Nicholas Bray has been told by Swindon magistrates to stay on the straight and narrow – or face 10 months in jail.

Police officers were scrambled to the High Street following the calls about knifeman Nicholas Bray on Thursday evening.

Bray had blood on his face. Prosecuting, Michelle Hewitt told JPs: “Police located the defendant and they searched his jacket and recovered a knife from him. They say the defendant had been using that knife to self-harm and he had fresh injuries on his arms.”

She said the 22-year-old had been charged with a second knife offence. That matter dated to August 26, when he was seen carrying a kitchen knife in the centre of Royal Wootton Bassett. CCTV showed him with the blade going into the foyer of Lloyds bank on the High Street.

Bray, of Lime Kiln, Royal Wootton Bassett, admitted two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place.

Defending, Mark Glendenning said his client had struggled with poor mental health. There was no suggestion he had brandished the knife or had any intention of using it on others.

Magistrates sentenced Bray to 10 months imprisonment suspended for two years. He must pay a £122 victim surcharge and £85 costs and complete up to 40 rehabilitation activity days.

Janet Morgan, chairman of the bench, said: “It must have been very frightening for members of the public to see you in Wootton Bassett High Street covered in blood with a knife.”