A KNIFEMAN from Ludlow has escaped prison after he was caught in possession of a lock-knife.

Ashley James McNinch, a 33-year-old from Henley Road in Ludlow, pleaded guilty to possessing the knife in a public place in March last year.

He entered the guilty plea on February 19, appearing at Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates' Court in Wales.

He had the sharply-pointed lock-knife on the A4078 in Talgarth, and the prosecution said that this was without a good reason or lawful authority.

Lock-knives are illegal to carry in public without good reason, and is not classes as a folding knife despite having blades that can be locked and refolded by pressing a button.

The suspended prison sentence is for 26 weeks in custody, suspended for 12 months. During this period, McNinch must wear an electronic tag and be under a curfew, remaining indoors from 9pm to 6am each day at his home address.

McNinch must also pay a surcharge of £154 to help fund victim services, and costs of £85 to the Crown Prosecution Service.