A collector who imported flick knives from The Netherlands has been fined.

Gregory Hawes, 54, of Lonsdale View, in Dearham, admitted to improperly importing the two knives, despite their importation being restricted.

Magistrates sitting in Workington were told that Hawes ordered the knives from an Amazon seller in Rotterdam in July last year.

The knives were intercepted by UK customs in London and the package had Hawes’ address on it.

Prosecutor Peter Bardsley said: “[Hawes] was not initially aware that the knives were coming from abroad but he understood the laws around them and knew that it was illegal to import them.

“He told the police that he feels very stupid for ordering them and said he will be more careful next time.”

The court heard Hawes, a father-of-four, has been collecting knives since he was 10 years old. His collection is stored in a safe inside his home, which is locked and bolted.

Defending Hawes, Ryan Foley told magistrates that Hawes used the knives for “various tasks around the house”.

Mr Foley added: “He could bore you to death with his knowledge of the different finishes and shapes on knives.”

His client, he said, was “embarrassed and ashamed” to be in court.

“He knows he should have looked into the Amazon seller’s account to see where the knives were coming from before ordering them,” said Mr Foley.

Hawes was fined £150 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.