A man challenged by police because he smelled of cannabis had a large Gurkha knife tucked in his waist band.

Blackburn Magistrates' Court heard the weapon was spotted as Isaiah Weekes struggled with an officer who was trying to detain him on August 8.

Weekes, 18, of Milton Close, Great Harwood, pleaded guilty to possessing a large curved knife in Queen Street, Great Harwood, and assaulting an emergency worker.

He was given a four-month suspended prison term with a 30 day rehabilitation activity requirement. He was ordered to pay a £154 victim surcharge and £85 costs.

Jack Singh, prosecuting, said two officers were on foot patrol in Great Harwood when they came across Weekes and another male and smelled cannabis.

“When they told him he was going to be searched he attempted to make off,” said Mr Singh.

“An officer took hold of him and he swung a punch. The second officer then spotted the knife which was described as a Gurkha knife with a curved blade.”

Mr Singh said Weekes had a previous conviction for possessing a bladed article in a public place in 2020.

Peter King, mitigating, said his client hailed from North London where he had a very difficult upbringing.

“He has witnessed knife crime and he has been the victim of knife crime and on occasions he has carried a knife for his own protection,” said Mr King.

“A child support worker has said that in her professional opinion he is the most let down child she has ever had to deal with.”