A self-styled “pagan magician” who waved a sword at a Police Community Support Officer in Bradford city centre has been jailed today for two years.

Sean Thornton, whose black attire includes a distinctive long coat, was in Court for the sixth time for possessing a bladed article.

He told police he had travelled the world and needed the weapons to meditate with in a peaceful place.

Thornton, 46, of no fixed address, was committed to Bradford Crown Court for sentence by the city’s magistrates for carrying an ornamental dagger and a lock knife in Buttershaw on June 13.

On bail, he drew a sword in the city centre five days later and waved the weapon at a Police Community Support Officer.

Thornton today pleaded guilty to affray and having a bladed article in the incident that began at 9.15pm near City Hall.

Prosecutor Lesley Dickinson said Thornton told officers he was a practising magician and needed the sword for his trade. He said he had been drinking and was sleeping rough.

Ian Hudson, Thornton’s solicitor advocate, conceded they were serious offences that merited a prison sentence. He said Thornton was provoked by a man and could not run away because his legs had been injured in a car accident.

He wanted to intimidate the man and had no intention of using the weapon on him.

Thornton’s black clothing, including a long coat, often attracted the attention of both the police and passers-by, Mr Hudson said.

He had kept out of trouble for three years and been held in custody since July 17.

Judge Jonathan Durham Hall QC watched CCTV footage of Thornton waving the sword before he was being taken to the ground and arrested.

Thornton stood in the dock with hands clasped and head bowed as the judge told him: “You must learn and realise that knife carrying in our society will not be tolerated.”

Thornton was jailed for nine months for the Buttershaw offences and 15 months for the city centre incident.