A BALLOCH teen caught with a knife in his car told cops it was for his work.

But at court last week, Bradley McNab, 19, admitted having the illegal sharp on him at Dumbarton’s Glasgow Road - and was fined £1200 for the offence.

He was arrested after officers found the sharply pointed lock knife on him on May 18.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on Friday that McNab, of Ashfield Cottage, was driving a Ford Focus at 7pm that evening when he was randomly stopped by police on mobile patrol.

Prosecutor Kara Watt said: “McNab was in the drivers seat. There were other passengers in the car. They were all detained. During the course of the search of the car police seized a locked Stanley knife. McNab told police that he used it for cutting as part of his work and forget he had it in the car. He was arrested and taken to Clydebank Police Office where he was cautioned and charged.”

Defence lawyer Judith Reid said: “It was a stupid mistake. He is working, and has always worked. A conviction of this nature will have a huge knock on effect on his future and his travels and job prospects.

“He had no intention of ever using the knife, he forgot he had it with him in the car. He was going out for a night with friends.

“He has learned a fairly valuable lesson. He has also paid a price emotionally.”

Sheriff John Hamilton told McNab: “You will be under no illusions of the seriousness of being charged of being in possession of a knife in public. Your car was stopped and searched for drugs, none of which were found. It was during the search police discovered the knife. It is normally an offence which attracts a custodial sentence. I am not going to jail you.

“Exceptionally, I am going to impose a financial penalty, but it will be a significant amount. Be in no doubt this is still a generous disposal. I accept your circumstances are different.”

McNab was fined £1,200, which the sheriff told him was reduced from £1,500 because of his early guilty plea. He was ordered to pay the fine at £200 per month.