A MAN has been spared an immediate jail term after being caught with a knuckle duster in a North Dorset town.

Jason John King, aged 41 and of Reading, Berkshire, admitting having the offensive weapon in a public place in Gillingham on October 8, 2019.

Appearing before Poole Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, April 15, King was committed to prison for three months suspended for 12 months. He was handed this sentence due to the seriousness of the offence.

He was also ordered to pay a £122 surcharge and £85 costs.

The court ordered that the knuckle duster was forfeited to police and destroyed.

King also admitted a breach of a condition discharge imposed last year for an offence of possession of cocaine. No action was taken on this breach by the courts.