Chesterfield magistrates were told on Monday that Jason Singleton was taken into police custody on 2nd May.

Police were satisfied that he had not assaulted anyone, but it then came to light he had earlier had a knife in his possession.

Prosecutor Andrew Legge said witness Edward McMullam saw the knife being dropped as a group of youths walked along Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield.

Mr McMullam picked it up and handed it to police, who asked Singleton if it was his.

"He said he used it for cutting twine and opening bags of animal feed and he had forgotten he had it with him," said Mr Legge.

Singleton (35), of Bentinck Road, admitted possessing a blade in public and had 44 previous convictions for various offences.

Sentencing was adjourned until 22nd June for probation service reports.
Jonathan Taaffe, for Singleton, said: "He had been arrested following a fight in the town centre. He was a victim of the incident and no charges were brought.