A HOMELESS man who was arrested carrying a craft and kitchen knife in his backpack has been jailed for four months.

Scott Floyd was arrested on Birchington Avenue, Grangetown, near Middlesbrough, after he was caught on CCTV on March 13 in possession of a hammer and amphetamine inside the weapon-filled backpack.

Ellen Wright, prosecuting, told Teesside Crown Court that a search of Floyd's rucksack revealed a the kitchen knife with a four-inch blade, which he used to cut meat, and the craft knife.

Andrew Turton, in mitigation, said his client was homeless at the time but since his arrest had reconciled with his family and helped to look after his mother while she was ill.

Mr Turton Floyd suffered his own health problems, which has left him using a wheelchair while he is remanded in custody, and a long history of drug abuse.

Judge Recorder Simon Eckersley jailed Floyd for four months.

He said: "On your arrest you told the police you need a bladed article to live, the seriousness of the situation is that you should not have certain bladed articles around with you in public.

"They are unlawful to possess because they are potential weapons and with your history of assaults and offences when you are in drink and public disorder, the courts are quite rightly concerned about why such things are being carried."