By Anna Burdett

Last updated at 09:18, Saturday, 16 June 2012

A man who carried a kitchen knife hidden up his sleeve in Carlisle has escaped jail.

Stuart Smith, of Beaumont Road, Currock, was seen acting suspiciously on December 20 last year as he walked away from police in Boundary Road in the early hours.

An officer saw him lean down and hide something in a garden, which was later found to be a 20cm serrated kitchen knife.

The 39-year-old admitted carrying the knife on the morning a trial was due to start.

Judge Peter Hughes QC heard Smith had 62 previous convictions for 145 offences and that he had a history of drink and drug problems.

Sentencing at Carlisle Crown Court yesterday, he commented on the huge expense Smith had already cost the public purse.

He added: “You have an absolutely appalling record and what you have cost the taxpayer in your countless appearances I fear to think.

“It’s time you took responsibility for your own life and not look to others to take responsibility for you.”

He was sentenced to 12 months in prison suspended for two years and placed under a community supervision order. Smith must also complete an alcohol treatment programme.

First published at 08:59, Saturday, 16 June 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk