A MAN who was caught carrying a knife told cops it was for his own protection.

Dean Niven, 28, was stopped on Duke Street in Glasgow’s East End on June 23, last year at around 4pm.

He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to being in possession of the offensive weapon.

Procurator fiscal depute Hazel Kerr said: “Police were on patrol when they had reason to stop the accused in relation to another matter.

“He was searched, and an officer found a lock back knife clipped onto the accused’s boxers. He replied, ‘aye fair do's, it’s for my own protection’.

“He was informed he was under arrest and conveyed to Cathcart police office. He made no reply to caution and charge.”

Niven’s lawyer said: “He has accepted responsibility. He recognises this is a serious matter. He suffers from anxiety but confirms he would undertake unpaid work.

“He knows the court takes this type of offending very seriously. In my submission, unpaid work is a suitable disposal.”

Sheriff Charles Lugton told Niven: “I’m going to deal with this by imposing a community payback order as a direct alternative to custody.”

The Bathgate man was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work and be under social work supervision for 12 months.