A teenager who owed people money for drugs went out in Whitstable one evening armed with two knives for his protection, Canterbury Crown Court was told.

But when Anthony Chamberlain, 19, started arguing with his friend about having the weapons police were called and he was arrested.

Chamberlain, of Regent Street, Whitstable, admitted possessing the knives when he appeared at the magistrates’ court and was sent to the crown court for sentencing.

Judge Heather Norton told him: “You should not be here. You have a supportive family, you are a clean young man and you are in work.

“You were very lucky not to be charged with a different offence which would mean you would be going into custody today.

“When people carry knives, especially for their own protection, it is because they think there may be an occasion when they may have to use them and cause injury. That is why we have this problem in this country when so many young people lose their lives.

"The culture of carrying knives encourages violence" - Judge Heather Norton

“Your friend was trying to persuade you not to carry a knife around.

“The culture of carrying knives encourages violence. And don’t touch drugs. No one ever comes out well for using drugs.”

Eleanor Scott, prosecuting, said that on April 9, Chamberlain and his friend started arguing in Island Wall, Whitstable, and police were called.

“Chamberlain appeared drunk and an officer saw a handle of a knife in a bag which was hidden in his coat,” Miss Scott said. Chamberlain had two knives with him: one had a 5in blade and one a 10in blade.

Kate Hunter, defending, said Chamberlain, who had no previous convictions, was using drugs at the time of the offence and owed money.

“He was fearful for his safety and the weapons were put in his bag for his own protection,” she said.

“He realises this was not a reasonable excuse and accepts this was the wrong thing to do.”

Miss Hunter said Chamberlain had started taking drugs when he was 17 but had now stopped and was having counselling. He is employed with his step-father on building work.

Chamberlain was sentenced to four months in a young offenders’ institution, suspended for 12 months. He must carry out 120 hours’ unpaid work in the next year, pay £85 costs and £115 court surcharge.