A heavy spice and skunk cannabis user who drew an expandable baton in a Bradford street has been spared jail after returning to his religion while on remand in prison.

Anwar Miah, who is now drug-free, said: “God bless you. Have a good day,” to Judge Richard Mansell QC when he gave him the chance to rebuild his life away from the city.

Miah, 35, formerly of Moorgate Avenue, Bradford Moor, Bradford, but now moving to Leeds, pleaded guilty to possession of the police-style baton on May 20.

It was his third conviction for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, prosecutor Richard Walters told Bradford Crown Court yesterday.

Miah turned up unexpectedly at a woman’s home after she had helped him when he collapsed in a café doorway in possession of two kitchen knives.

His bizarre behaviour had also included incidents when he jumped from an upstairs window at his home and made threatening gestures with a home-made flame thrower, the court heard.

The woman was shocked to see Miah when he called round in the morning. He asked “where is my ring?” referring to a copper nut he had given her.

He then drew the baton from his waistband and extended it before he was dragged away by another man.

The woman locked her door and photographed Miah who was out in the street.

He was seen with the baton on Dalby Avenue and arrested on Upper Rushton Road. Miah had discarded the weapon but it was recovered from an alleyway by the police.

In her victim personal statement, the woman said the incident had caused fear and distress.

Miah’s criminal record of 29 offences included dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and possession with intent to supply drugs.

His barrister, Jessica Heggie, said Miah’s psychiatrist said he may have been suffering from drug-induced psychosis.

“He has a history of bizarre behaviour,” Miss Heggie said.

Miah had been in custody since June. He was now drug free and determined to put his offending behind him.

Judge Mansell said Anwar’s “bizarre and dangerous behaviour” may have been sparked by long-term drug use that had affected his mental health.

Anwar told the police he was carrying the baton to protect himself from drug dealers he owed money to.

Judge Mansell said he was now “clean” and had returned to religion while in prison on remand.

Anwar was sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, with a nine month Drug Rehabilitation Order and attendance on the Thinking Skills Programme.

A five-year restraining order keeps him away from the woman’s home and from contacting her or her father.