A man caught with a knuckle duster lock knife after he was involved in trouble inside and out of a St Albans pub was given a suspended jail sentence today.

Leon Stevens, 41, was suffering from paranoia caused by depression, drinks and drugs when he got into a confrontation at The Camp pub in Camp Road after spending the day drinking.

Stevens, of Jodies Court, St Albans, pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon and appeared at St Albans crown court for sentence. His plea was on the basis that he did not take the knife out.

His lawyer Alex Radley said: "He makes no excuses for having the knife with him. He was severely depressed at the time and a combination of depression, alcohol and drugs led to his decision making being wrong.

"He believed himself to be under threat. It was paranoia."

Mr Radley said that since his arrest, nearly two years ago, he had been treated at the Hope House Rehabiliation Centre and had joined Alcoholics Anonymous.

He said Stevens had matured and was now working as a decorator and builder with his brother-in-law.

Recorder Leslie Cuthbert told him: "This weapon is a frightening item and has only one purpose, but I accept, from your basis of plea, that you did not take it out."

He said he could suspend the jail sentence because he was voluntarily seeking help.

Stevens received a 9 month jail sentence suspended for 24 months, with supervision by probation officers. He must carry out 120 hours' unpaid work and pay £350 prosecution costs.