A man who cycled along Tonbridge High Street brandishing a large knife has been jailed for six months.

Lewis O’Brien, formerly of Garden Road, Tonbridge, was arrested after he was spotted on CCTV on August 31.

The 24-year-old was monitored on cameras operated by Tunbridge Wells council as he appeared to have an argument with an unknown man, at the junction with Lambert’s Yard at around 11pm.

He was also seen on his bike remonstrating with other people whilst holding the knife.

He was stopped by police as he cycled along Bradford Street. O’Brien had discarded the weapon but after a search officers found the knife.

During his arrest, he claimed he was carrying it for protection after someone had tried to steal bike, telling officers "I don’t care who you are - if you steal from me you’re gonna get it."

He was sentenced to six months in prison at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday, October 10. He had previously pleaded guilty to separate counts of possessing a knife in a public place and affray.

DC Stuart Tracey said: "O’Brien cycled through Tonbridge whilst at the same time brazenly brandishing an 18cm knife to members of the public. Thankfully, he was quickly spotted on CCTV and our officers were able to make a quick arrest before any one came to any harm.

"The sentence O’Brien has received is a reminder that a prison cell awaits if you carry a knife. There can be no excuse for someone to say they are carrying a knife for their own protection. It is the public who need to be protected."