A teenager who concealed a Stanley knife in the waistband of his trousers claimed it was for his own protection as lads were after him , a court has heard.
Owen Maughan (19) has been warned he is facing custody for the offence if he does not comply with the Probation Services which will see if he is suitable for 240 hours community service work in lieu of two months in prison.
The defendant, of Dun Saithne Avenue in Balbriggan pleaded guilty to being in possession of the knife at Hamlet Lane in Balbriggan on August 29.
He has 14 previous convictions including one for violent disorder and the production of an article during the course of a dispute, Balbriggan District Court heard.