It was meant to be a straightforward car sale, but it ended up with a conviction for violent crime. Magistrate Neville Camilleri heard Inspector Alfredo Mangion explain how Peter Michael Johansen, had brandished a knife at a car dealership in Luqa after buying a car which he claimed was faulty.

Johansen, 53, from Denmark was accused of carrying a weapon at the time of commission of a crime against the person, carrying a knife without a permit, threatening the dealer, insulting or threatening him and breaching the peace. The incident happened yesterday at around 2pm.

The court heard that the accused had bought a car which turned out to be damaged. When he had gone to the dealership to complain, an argument had ensued. At a point Johansen had produced the knife and pointed it at an employee, saying he wanted his money back.

Legal aid defence lawyer Leontine Calleja told the court that the man was aware that what he did was wrong and apologised. “It was a one-off offence. In 50 years he never had a brush with the law,” she said.

The court handed the man a 12 month sentence, suspended for 2 years. A protection order was issued in favour of the dealer. The knife used was confiscated.