A FATHER-of-five with an eight-inch knife stuffed down his sock was 'carrying it for protection', Burnley magistrates heard.

Jobless David Priestley, 21, whose youngest child is a few weeks old, was told by the bench to think about his family and be more responsible in what he did outside the home -- and to pick his "business partners" and friends more carefully.

Priestley, of Langdale Road, Padiham, was conditionally discharged for two years and ordered to pay £65 costs, after he admitted possessing an article with a blade or sharp point. The court made an order for the knife to be forfeited.

Andy Robinson, prosecuting, told the court police stopped a car around midnight and the defendant was found to have a kitchen knife down his right sock. He said it was for his own protection, after threats in a row over ownership of a car.

Geoff Ireland, defending, said there had been dispute over an old banger bought for £40 and violence had been threatened on his family.