A DRUNKEN teenager arrested while brandishing a knife in Worcester city centre in the early hours has narrowly avoided being locked up.

James Smith had over-indulged while drinking at Tramps nightclub on May 8 and felt he was threatened when he went to a fast-food takeaway, said Paul Whitfield, prosecuting.

He ran to the flat of a friend who lived nearby, grabbed a knife and returned to Angel Place.

When police arrived, he threw away the weapon and ran off.

Mr Whitfield said when Smith was traced, he admitted he would have used the knife to stab someone.

Smith, aged 19, of Hazelwell Street, Birmingham, pleaded guilty at Worcester Crown Court to having an offensive weapon in a public place.

Mark Sheward, defending, said Smith did not normally drink but had been affected by an unusual amount of alcohol.

Smith had a loving family and lived at home with his mother and two sisters.

He was a qualified plasterer and although he had no job, he helped out friends.

Judge Daniel Pearce-Higgins QC said the offence passed the custody threshold but he was prepared to suspend a nine-month sentence for two years.

Smith must also do 100 hours’ unpaid work and has been banned from all licensed premises for 12 months.