A MAN caught with a knife in his pocket during a disturbance at a restaurant has been jailed for six months.

Police received a call about an issue in Colchester High Street shortly before midnight on a Sunday night in June.

Simon King was seen walking away, detained and searched.

Officers found a knife with a locking mechanism in the 56-year-old's pocket.

King, of Crouch Street, Colchester, admitted possession of a knife and was jailed for six months at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Chief Insp Rob Huddleston, district commander for Colchester, said: “This sentence sends out a clear message that if you carry a knife, you will be stopped, searched and arrested.

“My officers are out every day looking for criminals who carry knives.

"In this case, King claimed he was simply carrying a craft knife and never intended to use it to injury or threaten someone.

“However, he still went out in public and had a dangerous weapon on him.

"There are simply no excuses and he will now face the consequences of his actions.”