A YOUNG man who pleaded guilty to carrying a seven inch “dagger style” knife after he intended to harm himself has been warned he could face up to six months in prison.

Karl White (24), of Greenholme Road, Haltwhistle, faced one charge of possessing a bladed article when he appeared at South East Northumberland Magistrates' Court on Monday. The charge related to an incident near the A69 at Plenmeller on December 15.

The court heard that White had been drinking heavily on the night, and had the knife in his possession as he intended to harm himself. Defending, John Kirkman said: “This is not a normal situation. The sole reason for having a knife was to harm himself.

“When he was located he had decided not to.

"What could have been a drastic, dramatic, sad situation was not at the end of the day.

“When he was interviewed, he explained the desperate situation he found himself in.

“This was a cry for help.”

The court heard White’s personal circumstances combined with mental health issues and alcohol on the night, but that White had a conviction for the possession of a bladed article at the age of 13 in 2009.

Guidelines state that a second offence must carry a six-month custodial sentence. However, a judge can waive the sentence in certain circumstances, and the case was adjourned in order for a report to be completed.

Mr Kirkman continued: “If there is a positive out of this, police arranged mental health agencies to contact him.

“Here we are seven months later and in that time he has accessed treatment via his GP. “

White will be sentenced on August 7 at North Tyneside Magistrates Court.