A 22-year-old man from Academy Road in Derry received a 12-month probation order at Derry Magistrates Court for carrying a large knife in public.

Police responded to a report of the man walking in the Faustina Terrace area off Buncrana Road. Officers identified him and told him to keep his hands visible. He dropped the knife and stated he carried it for personal protection.

Defence barrister Stephen Chapman told the court on Friday that the man had the knife due to a prior attack on him. Chapman added that the man has a drug problem and is seeking help.

Deputy District Judge Liam McStay imposed the probation order.