A HOMELESS Polish man who was discovered with a multi-tool which had a locking knife on it has been jailed for five months.

Rafal Kreski, 31, described in court papers as a prisoner at Low Moss, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week and admitted being in possession of the item described as "unusual" at the Asda supermarket in the ton's St James' Retail Park on February 2.

Kreski, who appeared from custody and was aided in court by an interpreter, had been detained by police officers in relation to another matter and was discovered to have the tool in his rucksack.

Sheriff Simon Pender heard that Kreski didn't believe it was illegal to carry the item and that he had previously been told by a police officer in Aberdeen that it was okay to have this in his possession.

He told officers that the multi-tool was a "utility knife used by tourists".

Procurator fiscal depute Sarah Healing outlined the circumstances of the incident, saying: "It was 12noon when he went into the store and he was subsequently arrested by the police in respect of other matters.

"He was removed from the store and taken to Clydebank Police Office and on arrival Mr Kreski and his possessions were searched.

"At the time he had with him a large rucksack inside which was found a multi-tool incorporating a lock knife. He was subsequently cautioned and charged in respect of the item recovered and replied 'this is a utility knife carried by tourists' and said he did not know he could not carry this knife.

Kreski's solicitor said in mitigation that his client had appeared in court on February 3 and 11 and accepted then that he had been in possession of the knife.

The solicitor added: "When he first appeared he was of no fixed abode, he was moving about and sleeping rough. The item was within a rucksack along with other items of property he was carrying as he moved around.

"He advised me that he was advised by a police officer in Aberdeen that this item was legal because it was a multi-tool – he didn't think he was committing an offence.

"There are previous convictions, he spent five months in prison and that's why he checked with a police officer.

"I understand that he has signed a document that states that he will voluntarily return to Poland. I would ask your Lordship to deal with the matter as leniently as possible given the circumstances."

Before jailing Kreski, Sheriff Pender said: "You pleaded guilty to possession of this item in circumstances where there was no reasonable excuse.

"This Act is to prevent such items being carried in public regardless of their intended use. I take into account the nature of the item and where it was found, and the period of time you've spent in custody.

"But for your plea of guilty I would have imposed a period of seven months imprisonment. In light of your plea that will be reduced to five months in prison backdated to February 3".