A man caught carrying a knife in Swindon has narrowly avoided jail.

Nicholas Mark Davis of Barnum Court in Rodbourne appeared at Swindon Magistrates Court on Monday.

The 52-year-old had already pleaded guilty to carrying an offensive weapon on August 23 when he appeared in the dock for sentencing.

Court records that the defendant was arrested after he was caught possessing a knife in Regent Street on June 25, which had a black handle and a gold blade, contrary to sections 139(1) and (6) of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Davis was also charged with failing to surrender to custody at Swindon Magistrates' Court on September 15.

The defendant was sentenced to 12 months in jail suspended for 18 months and was ordered to pay £154 as a victim surcharge.

This means that should Davis be caught breaking the law again he could potentially be sent to prison straight away.

Magistrates also ordered Davis to complete a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

No separate penalty was issued for failing to surrender to custody.

Anyone who is caught in possession of an offensive weapon can face a maximum sentence of four years in jail and an unlimited fine.