A MAN caught at the scene of a fight with a huge Rambo-style hunting knife and a stun gun was today (Friday, November 21) jailed for eight months.

Adam Thompson claimed he had stopped the battle and picked up the weapons before he was stopped by police in Hartlepool.

Later, the 22-year-old admitted they were his, but still denied being part of the fracas which prompted an onlooker to call 999.

Mr Justice Green, sitting at Teesside Crown Court, told Thompson: "It is not a happy scenario for someone with a history of fighting.

"It was a potentially-volatile situation, and your presence at the scene of a fight with weapons is a material aggravating factor."

Thompson, of Jowitt Road, Hartlepool, pleaded guilty to possessing a bladed article and a prohibited weapon on December 11 last year.

His barrister, Jim Withyman, told the court: "They had not been used and no-one was injured. That's an important point.

"He made a foolish mistake by taking these two weapons. Thankfully, when he was in a situation in the street, he didn't get them out."

Mr Withyman said the once-promising footballer hoped to return to coaching, and planned to be his father's designated carer.

Mr Justice Green told Thompson: "I do not accept your explanation that you were simply breaking up a fight."