A JUDGE sent a teenage repeat offender to custody – and voiced concerns that he had yet to learn his lesson.

James Conway, 19, was locked up for six months for possessing a large blade in a Whitehaven park.

He was seen on August 23 to leave a homeless hostel and go into bushes, before emerging with a large blade. Police were contacted by a concerned eyewitness.

Conway admitted the offence at Carlisle Crown Court earlier this month.

On that occasion, Judge Peter Hughes QC heard Conway had a previous conviction for the illegal possession of other weapons. This stemmed from incidents on separate dates last summer.

Judge Peter Hughes QC adjourned that hearing, and asked Conway to co-operate with the probation service in the preparation of a background report.

Judge Hughes said he was seeking to determine the best course of action for the teenager.

But at the resumed hearing today, the judge considered a pre-sentence report which, he said, made for “very bleak reading”.

There had been a lack of co-operation by Conway, who had also confessed to being at the forefront of gang-related violence in the past.

In addition, defence barrister Brendan Burke spoke of the teenager’s “chaotic lifestyle” and the fact that no accommodation was available to him.

All of the background information, Judge Hughes said, painted a “depressing picture” as he sought to find the most appropriate punishment.

“I have read the pre-sentence report with very considerable sadness and regret,” the judge told Conway, of no fixed address.

“You seem to have disregarded virtually every avenue that might have been available to you and might have helped you.

“It is deeply worrying that you have been involved in gang-related violence and the carrying of knives and offensive weapons.

“It really worries me that you appear to have identified yourself not as being a follower but as an instigator and ringleaders.

“I suspect there is a big element of immaturity and a big element of bravado in what you have said. I have very little confidence that you have yet learned the lesson you need to learn.”

All of which prompted Judge Hughes to conclude he was left with “no alternative” but to impose a six-month term.

Referring to Conway’s eventual release, the judge added: “I hope you will then demonstrate that you have learned your lesson.”