A HAMPSHIRE teenager who went out for a day of heavy drinking carrying a knuckle-duster and a Stanley knife has avoided prison.

Matthew Barr, 19, told Fareham magistrates that he carried the blade for cutting string and rope, and the other weapon for "protection from some nasty elements" at the hostel he is staying at.

Police patrolling Kings Road in Gosport at about 9pm on May 4 spotted paramedics helping Barr, of Gosport Road, Fareham, who was so drunk that he could barely stand up.

The officers offered to take the teenager home, but as they walked him to the van he stopped to vomit and the knuckle-duster fell out of his pocket.

Barr was taken to Fareham police station, where he was found to also be carrying the knife.

The court heard he had never used the weapons, but carried them because he considers himself to be "small of stature and in need of protection".

The magistrates told him that carrying offensive weapons is completely unacceptable, and that they could have sent him to prison for doing so.

However, they gave him credit for an early guilty plea, and said that they didn't want to damage his job prospects.

Unemployed Barr has recently secured unpaid work experience, which he hopes could lead to employment.

"They weren't used, and we do believe you carried them out of genuine fear," the magistrates told him.

"We are hoping things are starting to look up for you, but we are satisfied your offending is serious enough for a community punishment."

Barr was given a 12-month community order, with a 24-hour attendance centre requirement.