A MAN found with a kitchen-style knife in the early hours of the morning had been using it at work the previous day.

Christopher Hart, aged 23, of Thirlmere Close, Warndon, Worcester, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article, failing to attend Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, September 17, and breaching a conditional discharge.

Matt Dodson, prosecuting, told the court that police had seen Hart leaning against a garden wall at 1am on Saturday, September 4.

Mr Dodson said: “As a result of the time, they approached him and asked him if he had anything on him.

“He produced the knife, which was a small kitchen vegetable-style knife, and was arrested.”

Hart told police that he had the knife for work and used it to open boxes.

Mr Dodson also explained to the court that Hart had received the 12-month conditional discharge in May this year for being drunk and disorderly.

Mark Turnbull, defending, said Hart had been working a trial period in his job and due to his arrest he had not got a permanent position.

Mr Turnbull said: “There are no aggravating features here, this was not a dangerous situation.”

He said Hart had missed his court appearance on Friday because of heavy sleeping tablets he was given to help him deal with depression.

Mr Turnbull said: “His brother was recently killed in action. The funeral was recent and he was one of the coffin bearers.

“He also found out that his father, who he is estranged from, also died recently following a chance encounter with his grandfather and he’s had some difficulties dealing with that.

“He took the tablets on Thursday night and did not wake up until Friday morning.”

Hart was ordered to complete a total of 80 hours unpaid work and was fined £40 for breaching his conditional discharge.

He was also ordered to pay £50 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.