A DRUNKEN man was found with a knife on him – and told police he had it because he was making a sandwich before he left the house.
Mark Kevin was walking away from an argument in Gibbons Walk, South Shields, when police stopped to talk to him.
After smelling booze on the 28-year-old’s breath, they searched him and found a kitchen knife in his pocket.
Kevin, of Masefield Drive, South Shields, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Glenda Beck, prosecuting, said: “Police were called to Gibbons Walk just before 5.50am following a report of trouble in the street.
“The defendant walked towards the police car, he smelled of alcohol and the officers searched him.
“They found a small, black-handled kitchen knife in his pocket and he was arrested.”
Mrs Beck added: “When he was interviewed, he said he had been making a sandwich and must have left the house with it still in his pocket.”
David Forrester, defending, said: “It’s not suggested that he brandished the knife. He had mental health problems in the past and in the last few months has slipped back into depression.
“That has brought about a descent into alcoholism and he is drinking three litres of cider a day.”
Magistrates adjourned Kevin’s case until December 11 for the probation service to prepare a report about him. He was granted unconditional bail until then.