A TEENAGER who was carrying a knife in his waistband when stopped by police has received a 12-month conditional discharge.

Ben Cassidy (18), of Brownhill Avenue, Irvinestown, was stopped by police on February 27 at the Brownhill Link, in Irvinestown.

When police notified him that they were going to search him, he told them there was a knife in his waistband.

The 18-year-old was searched and the knife was found. Cassidy was arrested and made no reply to caution.

When interviewed, the defendant made admissions and indicated that he wanted to make himself “feel safe” by carrying the knife.

After hearing the facts, District Judge Steven Keown suggested that carrying a knife does not make you safe.

Remorseful

Garry Smyth, representing the 18-year-old, told the court his client was remorseful and acknowledged the foolishness of his decision, and there was no natural basis of his taking the item out with him.

Mr. Smyth said the knife was an ornamental object, and had been a recent purchase by the defendant.

He said his client made a full admission and early plea, and asked the court to give him as much credit as possible.

For the early plea, and his lack of a previous record, as well as Cassidy being in full-time education, Judge Keown handed a conditional discharge to Cassidy for possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.