AN ISLE of Wight man was caught by police with a knuckleduster in his pocket after swiping it from his cousin who was in crisis.

Matthew Lewendon, of Fort Street, Sandown, appeared before Isle of Wight magistrates on Tuesday (March 14).

The 51-year-old admitted possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, in Ryde, on September 27 of last year.

He also admitted criminal damage in Newport three days later, on September 30.

Prosecutor, Ann Smout, told the court police had been called to an address in Ryde on the day in question, on an unrelated matter.

She said Lewendon was present at the address, and during a search, a knuckleduster was found in his jacket pocket.

Mrs Smout said Lewendon had initially denied the offence but had gone on to offer a basis of plea in which he accepted having the offensive weapon.

The court heard the criminal damage charge related to an incident at the police station, when Lewendon poured a cup of coffee across his cell and spat on the floor.

Barry Arnett, defending, said Lewendon had effectively already served a five-and-a-half-month prison term for an offence he didn’t commit.

He said his mental health deteriorated during that time, and on the night in question, he got a call from his cousin.

Mr Arnett said his cousin was in a distressed state and waving around the knuckleduster when Lewendon arrived at the address.

The court heard he took the weapon away from him and that was how it came to be in his possession.

Lewendon, whose mental health was described as very fragile, was made subject of a 15-month community order, to include a four-month drug rehabilitation requirement and 45 rehabilitation days.

He was also made subject of a 12-month prohibition notice and ordered to pay £25 compensation and a £114 surcharge.