George McGinley had used black electrical tape as a sheath for the weapon, which has was found to be carrying when he was arrested for an unrelated matter

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A drug addict who was caught carrying a "giant" sewing needle claimed to have it for his own protection.

George McGinley had been arrested on a street in Newcastle for an unrelated matter when he was searched and found to be in possession of the weapon. A court heard that the 41-year-old has used black electrical tape to act as a sheath for the needle, which was discovered in his pocket.

Last month, McGinley appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court to plead guilty to possessing a bladed article and the case was adjourned until this week for the preparation of a pre-sentence report. He has now avoided prison after District Judge Paul Currer decided to give him a chance to kick his drug habit.

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Giving him a 12-month community order, with a drug rehabilitation requirement, the judge said: "Your main problem is your use of drugs. You very nearly didn't get to your drug rehabilitation assessment. It's a good job you did, as you've been assessed as suitable, so I can give you a community order."

The court heard that McGinley, of Napier Road, in Swalwell, Gateshead, was arrested for an unrelated matter on Tewkesbury Road, in Lemington, on June 15 last year. Clare Irving, prosecuting, said: "When taken to custody, the defendant was searched and, found on him, was an item wrapped in black electrical tape. It was actually a giant sewing needle. The tape was being used as a sheath."

Ian Wilson, defending, said McGinley had a drug problem and had been leading a chaotic lifestyle at the time. He added: "He was carrying the weapon, initially, for self-defence. He had been the victim of a recent attack, so he was carrying it in case he was attacked again."

McGinley was also ordered to pay £85 costs and a £140 victim surcharge.

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