A Penparcau man who a court heard was carrying a knife “for his own protection” has been handed a suspended jail sentence.

Leigh Ward, of 17 Cae Job, appeared before Aberystwyth Magistrates’ Court on 20 May.

The 29-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of a 4.5 inch serrated knife on Penparcau Road in Aberystwyth on 1 May this year.

Magistrates heard that Ward was “carrying the knife for [his] own protection”.

Magistrates handed Ward a 16 week jail sentence suspended for 12 months.

The sentence was suspended because there is a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.

Ward must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work, pay prosecution costs of £85 and a surcharge to fund victim services of £154.