A TEENAGER said he carried three knives to protect himself after he was beaten up by a bigger boy.

The 17-year-old who lives near Droitwich had to be taken to the ground by police in Carden Street, Worcester.

He admitted possession of the three kitchen knives in a public place when he appeared at Youth Court in Worcester yesterday (Wednesday), supported by his grandmother for whom he is a carer.

Two of the knives had seven inch blades and the third had a four inch blade.

The teenager had to be taken to the ground in Carden Street near the Archway Academy during the incident after police received a call at around 10.45am on June 15.

Mark Johnson, prosecuting, said one of the knives was up his sleeve and the other two in the pockets of his jeans.

He said: "They had to take him to the ground to conduct the search. In police interview he stated the knives were for protection. He was not in any immediate danger but regularly carried them.

"He said he was badly assaulted two years ago and carried them because he was scared. He would not use them but they were more of a deterrent."

His only previous matter was a drunk and disorderly from 2014. He made a full and frank admission to possession of offensive weapons in police interview.

Mark Lister, defending, said the 17-year-old had ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia but despite that had managed to achieve two GCSEs.

Mr Lister said: "He's a bright lad. He's not currently employed. Of course it was wrong (to carry the knives). Of course it was silly. He is effectively a carer for his grandmother."

His grandmother, speaking at court, said he was 'helpful at home' and that his behaviour had been 'unusual'.

The youth said he was looking for work and had sent off CVs but no-one had got back to him yet.

He was asked by the chairman of the magistrates bench, Peter Jewell, why he had three knives.

The youth said: "I just felt like one was not safe enough because the person that assaulted me was a biggish lad and I am quite small."

The youth was made subject to a referral order but said although he had pleaded guilty he had not co-operated with the police search.

The referral order will last six months. He will be asked to sign a contract. He must also attend meetings. The order will be supervised by the youth offending team. No order was made for costs.

He was ordered to pay a £15 victim surcharge. A forfeiture and destruction order was made for the knives.