A MAN found with a home-made knuckle duster claimed he had found it.

Burnley magistrates heard how Brian Hedgecock, 34, who has 85 previous convictions, told officers he had discovered it near the probation office when he attended for an appointment.

Hedgecock, of Granby Street, Burnley, had been convicted of possessing an offensive weapon in Market Square, Burnley. He was bailed until October 30, for a pre-sentence report.

The court was told police were contacted by town centre security after concerns over the defendant. They found the knuckle duster in his jacket pocket.

Lee Hammond, defending, said the knuckle duster was in Hedgecock's possession for only a very short time and he did not threaten anyone.