A HOMELESS west Cumbrian man has been jailed after he admitted his SEVENTH offence of carrying knives or bladed articles in a public place.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that Philip Kyte, 31, was caught with a kitchen knife after he walked into the Tesco supermarket in Workington while carrying a kitchen knife. He police police that he carried the weapon because he needed to protect himself.

In court, the defendant admitted three offences: carrying a bladed article in a public place, breaching his Criminal Behaviour Order, and theft.

Brendan Burke, prosecuting, said the offences were all committed on December 9 last year when Kyte went to the New Bridge Road supermarket and brazenly stole a £7.25 bottle of vodka.

He was stopped as he tried to leave the store.

Kyte cooperated with the staff at the store who stopped him, waiting for the arrival of police. The officers who dealt with the theft searched Kyte. "They found on him a kitchen knife," said Mr Burke. "He made full admissions to the theft.

"And he said the the reason was that he wanted to drink it. He also admitted the unlawful possession of the knife, saying he routinely carried it for self-protection."

The barrister said by merely entering the store, Kyte put himself in breach of his Criminal Behaviour Order.

Karen Tunnacliffe, for the defendant, admitted he had an atrocious record, which included 52 offences, including six previous convictions for carrying knives or bladed articles.

She said: "He doesn't have accommodation and finds himself living rough. He can't even remember what day of the week it is." She said he had now beaten his drink addiction. Jailing him for a year, Recorder Michael Duck QC said the case's most concerning aspect was Kyte having six previous knife offences.