A judge has vented his frustration after magistrates granted bail to a dangerous convicted man.

Judge James O'Mahony expressed his annoyance when Grant Davis, 41, failed to surrender to Canterbury Crown Court today for sentencing.

Davis, 41, was to learn his fate after being caught carrying knives and a knuckleduster in public.

Judge James O’Mahony said: “What on earth is he doing on bail anyway?

“This defendant who habitually carries weapons is a danger to the public.”

The judge added Magistrates should consider not only the risks of defendants absconding, but also potential dangers of them re-offending.

Davis, of Northdown Road in Cliftonville, pleaded guilty on March 12 to three counts of carrying an offensive weapon in a public place at Margate Magistrate’s Court.

On November 26 last year Davis was caught carrying a knuckle duster in Hawley Square, Margate.

On February 20 this year he was caught with a credit card style knife with a two-inch blade alongside a gold coloured cylindrical item also with a two inch blade.

Judge O’Mahony said: “Issue a warrant with no bail.”

Bench warrants direct the police to arrest a suspect who must be brought before the court.

For information on how we can report on court proceedings, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet