A WEST Cumbria repeat offender is due to be sentenced by a judge next month for illegal possession of a kitchen knife on a residential road.

Carl Russell Anson, 65, faced one charge when he appeared at Carlisle Crown Court.

During a short hearing Anson admitted having an article with a blade or point — namely a kitchen knife — without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, at Jackson Road in Salterbeck.

His criminal act occurred on June 24 this year.

Judge Nicholas Barker was told Anson’s offence had triggered legislation which means he must be given a six-month minimum prison sentence for repeat offending unless a judge decides that such a punishment would be unjust.

The court heard Anson had two previous convictions for illegal possession of either a blade or offensive weapon which meant he was now facing a spell behind bars.

However, Judge Barker adjourned the case for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report. This, he said, would flag up whether there were any exceptional circumstances which would make it unjust to impose the six-month minimum sentence.

Anson, of Jackson Road, Salterbeck, is due to be sentenced at the crown court on September 15, and in the meantime he remains remanded in custody.