A MAN who had a knife in his possession in public has been spared prison.

Gareth Conqueror appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Thursday, August 8.

Conqueror, 49, indicated a guilty plea to having a knife on him in the area of Beaconsfield Road, in Dentons Green.

Police had received reports a man had been seen in possession of a knife shortly before 3pm in the area on Friday, May 17, this year.

Conqueror was later charged with possession of a knife/sharp pointed article in a public place.

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The defendant, of Mallory Grove, Laffak, was given a suspended sentence by magistrates.

The 49-year-old was given a four-month prison term, suspended for 12 months.

A court sheet said the offence is "so serious that only a custodial sentence can be justified" but that it was suspended because there is "a reasonable prospect of rehabilitation".

It was added "an immediate custodial sentence would be unjust in all of the circumstances".

Conqueror was made to pay a surcharge of £154 and the court ordered the  forfeiture and destruction of the knife under the Prevention of Crime Act.