A 14-year-old boy took a bladed ring to school because he feared a gang of older boys were going to attack him.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted carrying the weapon, known as a tactical claw knife, at a Maidstone secondary school when he appeared at youth court on Wednesday.

James Nichols, prosecuting, told the court the boy, from Maidstone, was seen passing an item to another pupil after finding out a search was going to be carried out.

The item was identified as the weapon and he admitted being given it by a close friend.

When questioned he said: “I carry it around with me all the time. I have only had it for two days. I had a fight at school and now I have boys after me. If they jumped me I’m going to hurt them.”

Rebecca Helliwell, defending, told magistrates the year 9 pupil had a fight with a year 11 pupil in the run up to the offence.

The older boy was friends with a gang who had a history of violence and threats were made against the defendant, including incidents of him being dragged into an alleyway and pinned up against a wall.

The defendant, who is of previous good character, told teachers about his concerns but the incidents continued.

Miss Helliwell said the gang had previously stabbed a boy and those involved are now being excluded.

Lynda Jones, chairman of the bench, said: “When you start playing around with knives it’s not only those bullying you that could be hurt, you could also be hurt. Somebody could have been killed.

“You are only 14 but you still have to think.”

He was handed a three-month referral order and must pay £15. The ring will be destroyed.