Nathan James McManus, 29, of Westbourne Drive in Llanarth, appeared before magistrate Follent on one count of having a knife in a public place and two counts of having an offensive implement in a public place.

He was convicted and fined $250 on each matter.

Police facts tendered to the court told how officers were undertaking random breath testing in the early hours of April 4 when McManus drove past.

Police followed the car for a short period and it appeared to officers that the driver was attempting to lose them by turning down side streets.

Police pulled McManus over in Lewins Street and noticed the driver was nervous and shaking. Police said his voice began to break when he was speaking with them.

A breath test was negative and police asked McManus for his licence.

While McManus was looking in his wallet, police said the other three men in the car were trying to hide their faces.

Because of the way the car had been driven and because the occupants appeared nervous, police formed the opinion they may have illegal drugs, so told the men the car would be searched.

Police found a long baton in the footwell of the rear passenger seat along with a pool cue made into a small baton and a large machete.

Police cautioned the driver and asked why he had the items. He said it was to keep his dogs in line.

He said the machete was for cutting blackberry bushes when he went pig hunting.

The other three men denied any knowledge of the implements, according to the police facts.