AN armed robber is to be assessed by a psychiatrist to see if he poses a danger to the public.

Adam Merry admitted having a bladed article in a public place without lawful authority and causing racially aggravated fear of violence when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.

Merry, aged 27, of Fairfield Road, Evesham, was arrested after the incident

in Lichfield Avenue in Ronkswood, Worcester, on September 7 last year.

Ian Ball, prosecuting, said 10 days after this incident Merry had committed an armed robbery, pleading guilty at a hearing on April 20 this year. In June the sentence for the armed robbery was adjourned until these other matters involving the blade were concluded.

Mr Ball said the armed robbery involved an imitation firearm, a BB gun, and a demand that a person search their own car.

"Some expensive jeans were stolen. Other people ran off when they saw the gun" said Mr Ball.

An armed response team found the defendant but no gun was recovered.

Jason Patel, defending, said: "In respect of his guilty plea in relation to count three, he pleaded guilty. Count one is in relation to him being in possession of that item after his arrest, not in possession at the time of the racially aggravated incident." He said the probation officer's report raised the issue of dangerousness and he asked for an adjournment for an addendum psychiatric report.

Judge Jim Tindal said the view of the probation officer was 'pretty clear' and told Merry that the probation service had raised the possibility that 'you are a dangerous offender'.

He remanded Merry in custody until the next hearing on September 28.