AN ex-soldier found in possession of a knife claimed he was carrying it around for protection, a court heard.

Homeless David Jeffrey, 49, was arrested in Padiham after he was said to have been seen acting suspiciously, at 11am, Burnley Magistrates Court was told.

Jeffrey, who also helped himself to £10 worth of bacon from Spar three months before, has now been given an alcohol treatment programme.

The defendant, care of Parkinson Street, Burnley, admitted theft on July 24 and possessing a knife blade in a public place, on October 3.

He received six months in prison, suspended for a year, with 12 months supervision and the treatment programme.

Mark Williams, for Jeffrey, said he was an alcoholic and lived on the streets, but certainly wasn't a persistent offender.

He did not normally carry a weapon, but did so because of threats.

The defendant, who was on incapacity benefits, did not need to go to custody.

Sentencing, District Judge Nicholas Sanders told the defendant: “About a month ago, I was sitting on a case where someone living on the streets, with a significant alcohol problem, chose to carry a knife and whilst doing so, they killed somebody.”

And he warned the defendant: “You can't do it, because there will be times, because you have a significant alcohol problem, when you are not really in charge of what you do.”