A 62-year-old man who carried a Stanley knife blade in his shoe has been handed a suspended sentence.

Graham Peter Skillicorn admitted possession of a bladed article.

Magistrates sentenced him to six weeks custody, suspended for one year.

Prosecuting advocate Hazel Carroon told the court that Skillicorn approached a police van on December 27 with a can of beer in his hand.

He began making threats to self-harm and said he had taken Valium.

Skillicorn was arrested after concerns for his safety and taken to hospital.

While being searched later he produced a blade from a Stanley knife from his right shoe.

During an interview Skillicorn, who lives in Cushag Road, Douglas, told police the knife was for self-defence as he said people in his area were aware he had prescription medication.

He then claimed he used the knife for crafting.

Defence advocate Paul Rodgers said: ’Mr Skillicorn has offered several different explanations for why he possessed the knife. Probation spent a long time with him trying to ascertain why he had it but still several explanations have been proffered.

’It is clear he has mental health problems and a number of historical problems.

’There is no evidence the knife was going to be used in a harmful way.’

Mr Rodgers went on to ask the court to show leniency bearing in mind his client’s mental and physical health issues.

Magistrates chair Carol Maddrell told Skillicorn that his health issues had persuaded them to suspend the sentence.

He was also ordered to pay £125 prosecution costs which he will pay at a rate of £10 per week deducted from benefits.