A KNIFEMAN arrested by police in a town centre pub said he was carrying the blade to trim his Bonsai tree.

David Paul Robson, of Morris Avenue, Westy, was collared by officers with three weapons in the Bulls Head pub on Church Street on December 5 last year.

Halton Magistrates Court heard on Tuesday how Robson, a paranoid schizophrenic, was found to have a lock knife, knuckle duster and metal flail.

During his police interview he said he bought the knife from a friend he knew from spending time at allotments to cut back his Bonsai tree.

Alison Warburton, prosecuting, said Robson also gave reasons for possessing the other weapons.

Prior to his arrest he said he had purchased a pair of jeans from Warrington Market and later found there was a knuckle duster attached to the inner leg.

The defendant claimed he was meaning to hand the knuckle duster into police but needed to collect items from the pub first.

He also said he used the flail - a type of club with chain attached - to hold down keys in his pocket.

Robson, who has six previous convictions for nine offences including possessing a weapon, said he found it on a building site 20 years ago.

He was due to be sentenced on Tuesday after pleading guilty to three counts of possessing an offensive weapon.

Magistrates adjourned proceedings for reports into his mental health problems and alcoholism.

Robson will be sentenced at Halton Magistrates Court on April 3.