A KNUCKLEDUSTER wielding tattoo artist's career hangs in the balance after he brawled with a man outside a city centre nightclub.

Joe Slack had planned to open his own tattoo parlour in Southampton, hoping to employ two apprentices and complete a longstanding dream.

But a Southampton Crown Court judge questioned whether he would be given a licence to open the shop from the council after he was caught in possession of the offensive weapon and a small craft knife.

The court heard Slack had become involved in a bust up with a reveller while in the smoking area of Seymour's nightclub, on Carlton Place in July.

The 24-year-old was seen by a bouncer launching a glass at a man before jumping over the area's barrier and attempt to smack his victim with a knuckleduster.

Prosecutor Kaj Scarsbrook told the court the bouncer detained the former Richard Taunton Sixth Form College student, who was described as being "covered in blood", before police arrested him and took him to hospital.

He said: "Slack was said to be drunk by officers and when he was in the police van he appeared to be very anxious as if he was concealing something.

"When he was searched at the hospital, officers then found a small craft knife."

Mr Scarsbrook added that Slack's actions were made worse by the fact it took place at night and in front of other people who were using the club.

Slack said he had the weapons as he had become paranoid due to heavy use of crack cocaine, the court heard.

Victoria Hill, mitigating, explained Slack, who pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and a bladed article in a public place, had battled with depression and anxiety but had ambitions to open his own tattoo parlour in the city centre.

She said Slack and his business partner were waiting to hear back from Southampton City Council to see if they could obtain a license to begin trading.

However, Recorder Malcolm Gibney said "talented" Slack may struggle to get permission from the authorities to open the business due to his "serious" convictions.

Slack, of Hill Lane, was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

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