A TRAINEE firefighter seen acting suspiciously in a park gateway was found to have a small quantity of cannabis.

Blackburn magistrates heard that when Brian Anthony Evans was subject to another spot check four days later he was found to be carrying a lock knife which he admitted was for his own protection.

Evans, 19, of William Street, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis. He was made subject to a community rehabilitation order for 12 months and ordered to pay £30 costs.

Louise Voce, defending, said Evans had been suspended from his job as a result of the charges but he had been told that if the penalty was a community rehabilitation order he will be able to continue with his employment and training.

She said Evans was carrying the knife for his own protection after being assaulted on six or seven separate occasions in Blackburn town centre.