A 24 YEAR old Skipton man carried a knuckle duster when he was out in the town because he feared for his safety, heard magistrates.

Azaad Christian was found by police to be in possession of the offensive weapon while in a public place, Keighley Road, in the early hours of May 1, heard Skipton Magistrates Court on Friday.

The police had become involved after reports that Christian had been acting in an 'aggressive manner', the court was told.

Officers went to look for him and located him in Keighley Road where a search revealed the knuckle-duster in one of his trouser pockets.

Christian, of Hayton Way, told the officers the weapon was 'for his protection'.

Christian, who admitted the possession of an offensive weapon, was often victimised in Skipton, the court was told in mitigation. He was often 'goaded and taunted' and carried the knuckle-duster because he felt he needed the protection when out in the town.

Magistrates adjourned sentencing for reports. Christian will be sentenced at York Magistrates Court on June 10.