A builder caught carrying a steak knife for protection argued it was for work because he “couldn’t afford a stanley-blade”.

But George Hilditch’s lies fell apart when a judge pointed out he had been arrested in Ramsgate with a McDonald's meal and cannabis - with a combined cost similar to the tool.

The 32-year-old was sentenced at Canterbury Crown Court last Wednesday after admitting possessing a bladed article in public.

Police pulled over the self-employed tiler’s car in Laundry Lane on May 16 last year, following concerns over his driving.

A search revealed the steak knife stowed in the driver-side door, alongside legitimate tools, a small quantity of cannabis, a grinder and a takeaway.

When an officer discovered the blade, the former Chatham House Grammar pupil said: “I need knives on a daily basis mate - (for) sharpening pencils etcetera.”

Hilditch would later plead guilty to the crime but assert the blade was “for work purposes”.

However, a judge rejected Hilditch’s claims following a Newton Hearing - a court process whereby facts are established in cases with conflicting evidence - which revealed a number of inconsistencies.

"There was no intent. I am not a violent person, I work hard to be a good person..."

Giving evidence, Hilditch said: “It was just a knife for me to use, I was just absolutely unaware the knife being in the front of the car was in a public place.

“My whole tool bag is full of sharp objects and in hindsight I wished I'd put the knife in my tool bag.

“There was no intent. I am not a violent person, I work hard to be a good person."

Asked why he didn’t use a stanley-knife for work, Hilditch replied: “Because I couldn’t afford one. I was living with my mum at the time.”

But Judge Mark Weekes highlighted Hilditch was previously cautioned for driving with a knuckle duster inside his car in 2018.

And he took issue with the claims Hilditch was too poor to buy a stanley knife, which can retail from between £5 and £10.

“How much did McDonalds cost you that night?” Judge Mark Weekes asked in cross-examination.

“I have no idea to be honest,” replied Hilditch.

“How much was the cannabis you were smoking each night costing?” the judge probed.

“Not much,” Hilditch replied.

“How much did the cannabis grinder cost?” said Judge Weekes.

“I wouldn’t know - that was bought years and years before,” he insisted.

The judge ruled Hilditch, of Beach Road in Westgate, was carrying the blade for protection, likely while buying cannabis from dealers.

He told Hilditch: “(You are) accustomed to talking your way out of trouble

“I’m afraid you have found someone who was not convinced by your talk.”

Handing down 36 weeks in prison suspended for two years, Judge Weekes told Hilditch he was a “hare’s breath” from custody.

Wearing a white shirt and supported by his mother and partner in the public gallery, Hilditch could be seen breathing deeply in the dock throughout the hearing.

“Thank you,” he told the judge after being given a final chance.

Mr Morgan, defending, said Hilditch would "lose everything" if he was jailed immediately, including his rented home and businesses.

The barrister added Hilditch's mother, partner and employees are financially reliant on him.

Hilditch was placed under a six-month curfew and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,200 costs and a £300 fine.