A LONGFORD 18-year-old was found with a knife in his trousers which he was in possession of so he could get the 'last bits of cocaine' out of the bag he had, a court heard.

Benjamin Robinson, of Ireland Street, was captured by police on Violet Close, in Birchwood, on May 11 last year after two males had been shouting and making threats to smash a car.

Last Thursday, Warrington Crown Court heard how the defendant, who has never been in custody, was approached and found to be carrying 'traces of cocaine' in his jogging bottoms.

After making an attempt to escape, a violent struggle ensued with a police officer although no injuries were caused, the court was told.

He was then found to be concealing a black handled knife concealed in the waistband of his trousers.

Prosecuting, Geoffrey Lowe, said: "The amount of cocaine found was a quantity for personal use, it is believed."

Defence barrister, John Bernasco, said Robinson had been drinking among friends before the incident and claims personal factors played a part in the crime.

He added: "He tells me that he had the knife because he was trying to get the last bit of cocaine out of the bag that he had.

"I spoke to him and he has told me that he panicked a lot and that is why there was a struggle but he pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"He tells me he lives with his mum and two sisters and has been in a difficult situation for the past two months which is down to his mum's ill health - his head was in a mess."

Sentencing, Recorder Paul O'Brien, criticised Robinson for his behaviour and insisted a community order would not have been sufficient enough to prevent further crime.

Robinson was sentenced to a total of eight weeks in a young offenders' institution.