A man who was caught with a knuckle duster in his car – as well as two types of drugs – claimed he was going to use it as a paperweight.

Daniel McCarthy, of Farrington Avenue, Bushey, was sentenced to 22 weeks in prison, which was suspended for 18 months, after he was stopped by police in Hempstead Road, Watford.

The 27-year-old pleaded guilty to passing cocaine, possessing amphetamines and having an offensive weapon.

He must also complete a 20-day rehabilitation programme and abide by a six-week home curfew between 9pm and 6am.

A court heard that McCarthy claimed he was going to use the metal knuckle duster as a paperweight, which was found by the passenger seat in his silver BMW on October 14 last year.