A MAN who took a knife into a city bar and flashed it round in view of drinkers on a night out has narrowly avoided going to prison.

Ryan MacDonald, of Bridge Street, Worcester, told doorstaff at Keystones Cocktail Club he was carrying the knife because he was scared after being released from prison. 

Andrew Mitchinson, prosecuting at Worcester Magistrates Court, said at 10.13pm on December 29 last year the 29-year-old was inside the Copenhagen Street-based bar. 

Mr Mitchinson said: "He was requested to go outside by door staff after a member of the public reported he had a knife and had been flashing it round.

Worcester News: BAR: Keystones, WorcesterBAR: Keystones, Worcester

"Doorstaff spoke to him. He handed it over."

Mr Mitchinson then showed a picture of the kitchen knife on screens in the courtroom.

The prosecutor went through MacDonald's lengthy record of previous offences that included offences of battery and criminal damage. 

Gary Harper, defending, said McDonald handed the knife straight over after the request was made and said the defendant had been friendly with door staff at the time.

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"That is not excusing what he did," Mr Harper said. 

"But he is not trying to attack anybody."

The solicitor said MacDonald had been drinking that night and the remark about prison was "complete and utter nonsense", as the defendant had not recently come out of jail. 

"It is just something he said at the time," Mr Harper said. 

Worcester News: COURT: Ryan MacDonald appeared at Worcester Magistrates CourtCOURT: Ryan MacDonald appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court

After magistrates' lengthy deliberations chairman of the bench, Ian Latimer, told MacDonald his offence was so serious only a custodial sentence could be justified in his case.

MacDonald was told he was being jailed for six months but this period was being suspended for two years. 

MacDonald was told to complete 20 rehabilitation days as part of the suspended sentence order and to comply with any requirements of the probation service. 

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The defendant was told to pay costs of £135 and victim surcharge of £154. 

MacDonald's offer to pay the total, £289, at a rate of £5 a week was accepted by the magistrates who also ordered forfeiture and destruction of the knife.