HAVING a knuckle-duster while on private property has landed a 37-year-old Carlisle man with a fine.

Daniel Mulholland, of Harris Crescent, Harraby, pleaded guilty to the offence when he appeared before magistrates at the city’s Rickergate court.

According to court records, he was caught with the weapon on April 25 at an address in Harris Crescent. The charge stated that he possessed an offensive weapon “in a private place.”

In law, a knuckle-duster is classed as a weapon and possessing one – even within a private address – is an offence under section 141 (1A) of the of the Criminal Justice Act 1988.

Magistrates imposed an £80 fine.

Most offensive weapon prosecutions involve the carrying of such items in a public place without lawful reason. Court records do not specify whether the defendant must pay prosecutions costs, usually estimated at £85.