A MAN has admitted possessing a knife in public near a town’s secondary school.

Lee William Charlton was arrested after a report was received of a man being seen brandishing a knife near tennis courts at Consett Academy on June 28.

Appearing before magistrates three days later, Charlton, 41, of Beverley Terrace, Consett, admitted possessing a knife, blade or sharp pointed article in a public place.

The case was sent to Durham Crown Court for sentence.

Jessica Heggie, for Charlton, said he accepted having a knife inside a coat pocket.

But she said it was a utility knife, and, if so, the appropriate charge should have been possessing an offensive weapon, rather than a bladed article, which would have a bearing on sentence.

Judge Jonathan Carroll said regardless of the wording: “If you have a knife anywhere near a school you have to go to custody.”

Judge Carroll asked the parties to decide on the charge wording prior to the sentencing hearing on August 12 and bailed Charlton on condition that he does not go within 50 metres of the academy.