A MAN who had a knife in public has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Peter Russell, 46, was carrying the blade ‘for protection’ on Egremont Main Street on October 29 last year. He also had cannabis in his possession.

The defendant, of Church View, Egremont, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife blade in a public place and possessing a Class B drug.

Magistrates imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. Russell must also complete 15 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Russell must pay £85 costs and a £154 victim surcharge. An order was made for the forfeiture and destruction of the knife.