A COWDENBEATH man has narrowly missed a jail sentence after carrying a kitchen knife while out walking his dog.

Thomas Keicher, 39, of Walker Street, said he was carrying the blade for protection as he was being "victimised by members of the community".

At Dunfermline Sheriff Court he admitted that on May 13 at Anderson Drive, in a public place, he did without reasonable excuse or lawful authority have a kitchen knife.

Keicher also pleaded guilty to having in his possession a controlled drug, namely diazepam, a Class C drug.

Police had received an anonymous phone call describing a man who was in possession of a knife at around 8pm.

When officers made their way to the area they saw Keicher with a dog and wearing clothing similar to what was described.

An orange kitchen knife was found on him along with a quantity of diazepam with an estimated street value of £140.

When questioned by the police at the time, Keicher said he had the weapon as he believed people were after him.

Defence solicitor Jenny Simpson said: "My client was carrying the knife for protection. He would not have used it, but he was being victimised by members of the community.

"His doctor had refused to prescribe him diazepam and he had bought it on the black market to manage his pain.

"He has now discussed his problems about his neighbours with his family.

"He has suffered from bowel problems since birth and a stroke in 2012. He has a previous conviction for violence but it is very old."

Sheriff Charles Macnair said: "The only thing that is keeping you from custody today is the time since your last offence.

"Also, there might be a very good reason why your doctor is not giving you diazepam."

Keicher was made subject to a restriction of liberty order for six months.