A Pembroke man pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed weapon and had the plea reversed by the Acting Magistrate.

Makai Brangman, 21, of Footpath Lane, was charged in Magistrates' Court yesterday with carrying a six-inch blade in public.

He first admitted the offence but was later encouraged to change his plea to not guilty and find legal advice, by Acting Magistrate Ed Bailey.

Crown counsel Carrington Mahoney told the court that officers investigating possible drug activity saw Brangman and another person on Friswells Lane in Pembroke, last Saturday, August 22.

When Police approached, Brangman left on a motorcycle and the second person departed on foot.

Brangman was stopped by Police and searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Officers found a six-inch serrated blade.

"I'm an electrician. I use it for work," Brangman told them.

He explained further yesterday: "It's a tool I use for my trade. I apologise for having it at the wrong place at the wrong time."

Said Mr. Bailey: "The problem is that in this Country too many young people use these items as weapons."

He reversed the defendant's plea to not guilty and advised Brangman, who appeared in court unrepresented, to find legal advice.

"I don't think you're quite aware of your circumstances," said Mr. Bailey. "Pleading guilty to something like this means you go to prison.

"You told the officers that it was for work, so it's not something you've just made up. Take some legal advice."

Brangman was released on $2,000 bail and a surety and ordered to return on December 7.