A HOMELESS man has been jailed after being caught carrying knives ‘for his own protection’ twice in just a matter of weeks.

Christopher Jackson was heavily intoxicated when he was arrested on January 5 this year as he walked along Corporation Road in Middlesbrough town centre.

A search of the 35-year-old revealed he had a black kitchen knife stuffed down his tracksuit bottoms, Teesside Crown Court heard.

He was arrested again on February 18, while on bail for the first offence, and this time officers discovered two knifes hidden in his clothing.

The defendant was walking along Bridge Street West towards Middlesbrough police station with the intention of being arrested, the court heard.

Shaun Dryden, prosecuting, said on both occasions the defendant was in an intoxicated state when he was arrested.

Jackson, now of Overdale Road, Middlesbrough, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of a bladed article.

Nicci Horton, in mitigation, said her client had a longstanding problem with drugs and alcohol.

She told the court how Jackson told her that he carried the knives for his own protection while sleeping rough but had very little recollection of either incident.

Judge Recorder Nathan Adams jailed Jackson for a total of eight months.

He said: "It is clear from your record that you have a longstanding problem with drink and drugs and that manifests itself in shoplifting and minor offences."