A LOCHGELLY man caught with a knife after trying to get away from police has been week ordered to carry out unpaid work.

Steven Haldane, 29, of McGregor Avenue, appeared for sentencing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court on Wednesday after earlier admitting that on March 3, at common ground at the rear or McGregor Avenue, being a public place, he had a lock knife without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

The offence was committed while he was on bail.

Depute fiscal, Azrah Yousaf, said officers attended at Haldane's house at 1.50am following a request for a warrant. They knocked on the door and he attempted to make off through the back door.

Officers saw him running out the garden gate and he was restrained. When searched, a three inch lock knife was found.

Haldane's defence agent said his client had been out fishing that day and he hadn't changed out of the clothes he had been wearing.

"He left the house in something of a hurry and was apprehended by police in a public place," he said. "He had forgotten about the item being in his possession. He understands it is his responsibility to ensure he doesn't fall foul of appropriate legislation."

Sheriff Charles Macnair said carrying a knife was a serious offence.

"I accept the circumstances are a little unusual but you were on bail at the time," he added.

Haldane was placed on a community payback order requiring him to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work within six months.