A TEENAGER who spends £70 a week on alcohol kept a knuckle-duster in his car for his own protection. Jack Bearman paid £30 for the weapon that was discovered in the glovebox when police stopped him in Chatteris. The 18-year-old ground worker bought the we

A TEENAGER who spends £70 a week on alcohol kept a knuckle-duster in his car for his own protection.

Jack Bearman paid £30 for the weapon that was discovered in the glovebox when police stopped him in Chatteris.

The 18-year-old ground worker bought the weapon a year ago because he had been threatened by people older than him, Fenland magistrates were told.

"It was an extremely stupid thing to do ­- there is nothing to suggest it was used," said solicitor Tim Bartlam.

He said Bearman, of Primrose Hill, Doddington, lives with his parents. He pays £25 a week for his board and spends £70 a week on alcohol.

Fining Bearman £300, with £60 costs and a £15 surcharge, presiding magistrates Alan Jones said: "The carrying of such weapons is not to be tolerated.