A MAN who was caught in possession of a Stanley knife in a public place has been spared prison.

Shaun Sieley, of Kershaw Way, Newton-le-Willows, appeared before Liverpool, Knowsley and St Helens Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, October 30.

The 56-year-old had indicated a guilty plea to a charge of possession of a knife or bladed article in a previous hearing at the court on September 20.

He had a Stanley knife on him on Neills Road, in Bold, on August 30 this year.

According to a court sheet, Sieley's offence was considered so serious "that only a custodial sentence can be justified".

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Magistrates gave Sieley a 16-week prison sentence, but suspended this for 12 months sparing him from immediate imprisonment.

He was made to pay costs to the Crown Prosecution Service of £85, and a £154 surcharge.

The court ordered for the forfeiture and destruction of the Stanley knife, under the Prevention of Crime Act.