A MAN caught with a knife in Barrow has been handed a suspended sentence after magistrates deemed he was a ‘vulnerable’ individual.

Andrew Nelson, of Parker Street, Barrow, was stopped by officers on his residential street on February 9 this year where he was found to be in possession of a Stanley knife, South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court heard.

The 42-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing a blade in a public place without good reason or lawful authority on September 25.

Magistrates heard the knife was seized from the defendant.

As a result of his guilty plea at the first opportunity, Nelson received a six-month prison sentence.

However, magistrates decided they could suspend this for 18 months due to the defendant being ‘vulnerable’ and having ‘strong personal mitigation’.

They said an immediate custodial sentence would result in the defendant losing his home, which had been a significant factor in his offending behaviour.

Magistrates further commented Nelson would lose support from professionals in the community if he was jailed.