A MAN who admitted carrying a "dagger style" knife has walked free from court.

Karl White (24), of Greenholme Road, Haltwhistle, was sentenced at North Tyneside Magistrates Court on Friday, August 7.

He had earlier pleaded guilty to one charge of carrying a seven inch, dagger style knife near the A69 at Haltwhistle on Sunday, December 15.

White was handed a six month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He is also required to undertake a maximum of 20 days of rehabilitation activities.

At a hearing at South East Northumberland Magistrates Court last month, the court heard White had been drinking heavily on the night, and had the knife in his possession as he intended to harm himself.

Defending, John Kirkman described the incident as a "cry for help" and explained that the defendant had gone on to seek help with his mental health issues.

The court heard White’s personal circumstances combined with mental health issues and alcohol on the night.

However, 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, but a judge can alter the sentence in certain circumstances.