A 17-year-old missed out on jail time yesterday after admitting to possession of a knife.

The teenager pleaded guilty to possession of a bladed article on Kindley Field Road on August 19.

Magistrates' Court heard from prosecutor Nicole Smith that Police officers were on duty and pulled the defendant over for another matter.

He was arrested and taken to the Southside Police Station and searched, when officers found a diving knife strapped to his left leg above his ankle.

The youth, who has been living with Residential Treatment Services for the past three months, told officers it was for his protection.

His lawyer, Rick Woolridge, explained to Magistrate Khamisi Tokunbo the defendant had been attacked the day before by a group of young men from the St. George's area and had the knife for his protection.

Mr Tokunbo said: "I hear that c**p. I don't even know if it's true."

Mr. Woolridge explained Police had confiscated 40 weapons but none of the young men had been arrested and his son was one who was attacked.

The boy's social worker, Malika Robinson, told the court he has been complying with the rules of the establishment since he began living there.

When asked if he had anything to say, the defendant said: "I had it for my protection because I was scared. I'm not trying to be a violent person. I thought my life was at risk. I thought I could just pull it out and scare them, a scare tactic. I didn't have any intention of using it to hurt anybody".

The defendant's teacher told the court she has been working with him for the past two years and has seen improvement.

"Prior to school closing in June, I saw this young man making a change. To hear him encouraging his peers in a positive way is why I'm here today."

She added: "He's realising that all these mistakes he's made, that's not the way to go. I like the boy we have now. He's a young man who's learned something."

Mr. Tokunbo explained the penalty for the offence is a mandatory three years imprisonment.

He also said carrying a weapon isn't a form of protection since someone can get hurt.

"You were probably being saved by being stopped. You could have been here today for wounding