STAFF at a Blackburn store called police after a customer took a knife out of his pocket to open packaging on an item he had bought.

Blackburn magistrates heard Lee Riddehough put the knife back in his pocket and left Outdoor Action and the blade was still in his pocket when police arrested him shortly after.

And Gareth Price, defending, said it was as far away from a typical knife crime as you could possibly get.

Riddehough, 46, of Furness Avenue, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing a knife. He was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months, made subject to a curfew between 10pm and 6am for eight weeks and ordered to pay £85 costs and £115 victim surcharge.

Mr Price said his client had some errands to do in town and had put on his shorts without knowing the knife was in the pocket.

“When he did find the knife he should have taken it home, disposed of it or handed it in to the police,” said Mr Price.

“He didn’t do that and when he went into Outdoor Action he accepts he used the knife to open the packaging.

"While he hasn’t got a defence in law I have to say he is a little unfortunate.”