A Watford man has appeared in court accused of having a meat cleaver in the town centre.

Darren Lane, 50, of no fixed address, appeared at Hatfield Magistrates’ Court yesterday (March 19) charged with possession of a bladed article and of Class B drugs (cannabis).

He was arrested at 1.27am on Sunday, March 18, while allegedly in possession of the weapon in an alley adjacent to Wellstones and Market Street.

Lane admitted the drugs charge on Monday, but did not enter a plea for the meat cleaver accusation.

He has been remanded in custody until a bail application hearing on March 25, ahead of a trial on May 7 at St Albans Magistrates' Court.

Also in court:

A 17-year-old boy will appear at St Albans Magistrates' Court on March 27 accused of having a "Rambo-style knife" and causing affray in The Parade, Watford, on October 27, 2022.

The case over the teenager from Hayes was previously adjourned from February 7 for him to enter a plea.