A NEWPORT man caught with a lock-knife told Isle of Wight magistrates he had it in his possession because he was worried his younger siblings would find it at home.

McCauley Silverthorne admitted possessing a knife in a public place and possession of cannabis on June 4.

Police officers on patrol used their powers to do a spot search for drugs on three people at Newport Harbour — one of them being Silverthorne, of Carisbrooke Road.

Silverthorne handed over a cannabis joint, but a female was caught concealing a bag belonging to him, which contained more cannabis, scales, a wallet and a combat-style lock-knife, said Liz Miller, prosecuting, at the Isle of Wight Magistrates' Court.

Silverthorne, 23, with no previous convictions, was subsequently arrested.

He told the police the cannabis was for his own personal use.

For Silverthorne, James Cameron said his client was a regular cannabis user, with a £110 per week habit, who used it to de-stress and cope with anxiety.

"In relation to the knife, because he has two younger siblings at his home address, he didn't think it appropriate to keep it there," said Mr Cameron.

"The problem is, the bag was in a public place. He realises he made a very foolish decision — a totally wrong decision — but he was more worried about the knife being at home."

Silverthorne was handed 18 months' probation, to include him doing 220 hours' unpaid work, with £85 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

When sentencing Silverthorne, presiding magistrate Keith Jones said: "You should make no mistake — knife crime is a very serious issue in society and must be treated as such.

"We accept the knife was not on display and your feasible explanation as to why you had it with you.

"This was a very foolish act. Make no doubt whatsoever if you are back here again, things will get much, much more serious."