A man who had a 9 inch and a 10 inch kitchen knife tucked into his waistband in the middle of Trowbridge has been given a 12 month community order.

Kevin Michael Hunt, 37, of no fixed abode was seen with the knives near a coffee shop in Trowbridge by a member of public who then called the police.

North Wiltshire magistrates court heard on Thursday how Hunt was retrieving knives stolen by a man from his girlfriend who works as a chef.

Defending Jeremy Griffiths said: “One of the friends had left with two kitchen knives and hidden them in his sleeves to Mr Hunt followed him and took them from him. He realised it was illegal to have the knives in public but thought he was doing a good thing taking them off Mike.”

The 37-year-old was arrested in Broad Street where he was believed to be on his way back to his girlfriend’s to return the knives.

District Judge Simon Cooper handed Hunt with a 12 month community order, a £160 fine and ordered the knives to be destroyed.