A MAN arrested on another matter was found to be carrying a lock-knife hidden down his trousers.

Blackburn magistrates heard that Kevin Peter Booth, 32, had previously been a stabbing victim and he told police he was carrying the weapon as a deterrent.

Booth, 32, of Gloucester Road, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £60 costs.

Philip Potter, prosecuting, said he was aware of the previous incident which had resulted in Booth receiving a nasty wound.

"That doesn't justify him carrying a knife," said Mr Potter. "The fact is that when people walk round with knives, people get stabbed."

Daniel King, defending, said his client was extremely nervous and the main reason was that he suffered extremely serious injuries as a result of an assault on him.

"They were life threatening injuries and subsequent to that he has had to change address," said Mr King. "He took this knife with him so he could use it as a deterrent if there were further problems.