A MAN who was carrying a door lock when he was challenged by police told them it could be used as a knuckleduster.

Blackburn magistrates heard the throwaway comment had landed Thomas Fitzpatrick in court.

"It was no more than a door lock and he had the keys at home," said Mr Williams.

"The officer wasn't going to arrest him until he made the comment that it could be used as a knuckleduster.

"There is no suggestion it was used for that purpose or that he threatened to use it."

Fitzpatrick, 42, of Union House, St Peter Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

He was made subject to a community order for 12 months with six rehabilitation activity days and a curfew for two months between 7pm and 7am.

He was ordered to pay £85 victim surcharge.

Parveen Akhtar, prosecuting, said police were called to Aldi in Blackburn at 7pm. Fitzpatrick was searched and the door locking mechanism found in his pocket.

"Asked what it was for he said it could be used as a knuckleduster and that comment lands him in court today," said Miss Akhtar.

Mr Williams said his client had been out of trouble for 18 years until 2017 when he was convicted of theft from his employer.

"He lost his job, that put pressure on his relationship and they split up," said Mr Williams.

"He lost his home and ended up drinking and living in a hostel.

"He has committed a significant number of shoplifting offences since then as the alcohol has really got a grip. This offence, however, was totally out of character."

The chairman of the magistrates warned Fitzpatrick that if he appeared for possessing "anything resembling" an offensive weapon the starting point would be six months in prison.

"The law is coming down heavily on people who are caught carrying weapons of any type," he said.