Man pays dearly for carrying lock knife

A Mansfield Woodhouse man has been given a 12-month community order after admitting being found in possession of a two-inch lock knife in public.

Mansfield magistrates were told how Jonathon Whiteman (29), of Coton Close, told police after being arrested he used the folding knife as a key ring and while working on his father’s allotment.

Chris Perry, defending, said Whiteman had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.

He added: “The knife has not been waved or brandished in anger and Mr Whiteman does not appear to have any form of drink or drugs problem. “

Whiteman was ordered to complete 100 hours’ unpaid work, pay £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs.