A MAN who blamed his ‘bad eczema’ for his decision to carry an eight-inch kitchen knife around Weston town centre has been jailed.

Greame Cox, of Grove Park Court, Weston was arrested on May 22 after police found the large kitchen knife concealed in the waistband of his trousers.

Prosecuting, Andrea Edwards, said Cox had an argument with his girlfriend and his flatmate before leaving his home with the hidden blade.

The 37-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place on June 8.

He was sentenced to eight weeks in prison at North Somerset Courthouse in The Hedges in St Georges on Monday.

Ms Edwards said: “Police had calls from a member of the public who had reported seeing a man with a large knife concealed down the back of his trousers.”

Police officers attended the scene and found Cox outside of The Red Admiral public house, in Alexandra Parade.

Ms Edwards told magistrates: “He told officers that he had a knife concealed in his trousers.

“They then located an eight-inch kitchen knife inside of his waist band.

“In interview he stated he had been at his home address and had an argument with his girlfriend and his flatmate.

“He said he had picked up a large knife from the kitchen and placed it in the waistband of his trousers and left the flat.

“He said that he believed someone inside of the pub had seen the knife.

“He said he had bad eczema which he said was affecting his state of mind. He said he had no intention to hurt anyone or himself.”

As well as an eight-week prison sentence Cox was ordered to pay £85 prosecution costs, a £150 court charge and a victim surcharge of £80.