A HOMELESS man described as 'vulnerable' has received a prison sentence after police found him with a Stanley knife in the street.

Simon McCormick was among two men searched after police responded to a report of 'possible criminal activity' in Dorchester Road, Weymouth at 7pm of February 16, a court heard.

McCormick refused to be interviewed by police after they found the knife in his pocket.

His solicitor said the defendant, who has mental health problems, had the knife because he wanted to harm himself after he found himself homeless.

McCormick, aged 34, of no fixed address, admitted possessing a knife in a public place without good reason or lawful authority when he appeared at Weymouth Magistrates Court on March 7.

He appeared via video link from prison where he is being held on remand for an unrelated offence.

Robert Travis, mitigating, said that the McCormick had found himself homeless in Weymouth and added that there were no aggravating factors in the possession of the knife.

Mr Travis added that McCormick had 'significant mental health issues' and had previously been issued with an order, where he was sent to hospital instead of prison. The court heard that he should have received accommodation upon leaving the hospital, but the location he was placed in didn't work out and he became homeless.

Mr Travis said: "He had the knife because he wanted to harm himself because he was so dismayed by himself and his situation.

"This young man is clearly very vulnerable."

McCormick was jailed for two months, to run concurrently to his remand, and must pay a £154 surcharge. The knife is to be forfeited and destroyed.