A BARROW man has narrowly avoided an immediate prison sentence after being caught in public with a kitchen knife.

Robert Wadsworth, 43, of Arnside Street, admitted at the first opportunity to possessing a sharply pointed article in a public place contrary to section 139 (1) and (6) of the Criminal Justice Act.

With his guilty plea, Wadsworth conceded he had the knife without good reason or lawful authority on Arnside Street, Barrow on April 13 this year.

Magistrates believed the offence was so serious that only a custodial sentence could be justified when sentencing Wadsworth at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on May 7.

However, they suspended a four-week prison sentence for 12 months because they agreed with his solicitor's point of view that there was a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.

As part of the suspended sentence order, Wadsworth was required to complete three months of alcohol treatment under the direction of the Recovery Steps Program, as well as 100 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay court costs of £85 and a £114 surcharge.