A HOMELESS man found in the street with a knife and then a hacksaw blade late at night has been spared an immediate prison sentence.

Andrew Stockton, aged 43, who was also found to be carrying amphetamine, was given a suspended jail term by Plymouth magistrates.

The bench ordered that he undertake a course to tackle his addiction to the drug.

Stockton, of no fixed address, admitted two counts of possessing a bladed article in public and two counts of possessing the class B drug.

Claire Tresidder, prosecuting, said Stockton was stopped in Efford Lane at 3am on November 18 and found to be carrying a knife with a three-inch serrated blade. He also had white powder which turned out to be about a gramme of amphetamine with a street value of £10.

Stockton, on bail for the earlier offence, was stopped again in Union Street at about 2.15am on January 20. Miss Tresidder said there was a 'small struggle' and officers found a 12-inch hacksaw blade in a sock and traces of amphetamine in a bag.

Julian Jefferson, for Stockton, said his client had already spent a total of 33 days in custody.

"His record is not a happy one," he said. "He has a long history of addiction to amphetamine over the years."

Mr Jefferson said Stockton had the resolve to tackle his habit but needed support.

He added that Stockton could be sent to jail but it would not deal with his drug problem.

Magistrates jailed him for a total of 168 days but suspended the term for two years, when he will be under the supervision of a probation officer.

He must also complete a six- month drug rehabilitation requirement, which will include testing and treatment for his addiction to amphetamine.