A Warwick man caught in public with brass knuckles described them as a necessary defence when he appeared on charges in Magistrates' Court.

Kijaun Thane Simmons-Trott, of Spice Hill Road, yesterday pleaded guilty to possessing the offensive weapon.

Crown Counsel Cindy Clarke told the court Police in the area observed a hand-to-hand transaction between Trott and another man at the bus stop next to John Smith's Bay.

The court heard that after the other man walked away, suspicious officers approached and searched Trott, when they discovered the weapon.

Trott told Police he had the knuckles for self-defence purposes.

Defence lawyer Rick Woolridge asked Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner for a Social Inquiry Report to be compiled on his client before sentencing.

Mr. Warner bailed Trott to reappear in court at a later date.