Former airline pilot found with six knives after hearing what he thought was a military helicopter

A former airline pilot grabbed six knives to defend his family from what he thought were military helicopters, a court’s heard.

Ian Saunders of Strathallan Crescent in Douglas appeared before magistrates at Douglas Courthouse.

The 64 year old admitted possessing a bladed article in public on Queens Promenade in the capital on April 30.

The court heard Saunders had six kitchen knives, each longer than three inches, with him when a member of the public alerted police.

He told officers his flying experience meant he’d recognised a military helicopter landing - however it turned out to be a medical helicopter responding to an emergency.

Magistrates bailed him in the sum of £500 and he’ll appear in court again for sentencing on August 1.