A homeless man caught with two knives had the blades after an unsuccessful day of fishing, Magistrates’ Court was told.

Akeil Williams, 33, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a bladed article but insisted that they were for recreation.

The court heard that police stopped Williams, of no fixed abode, on Princess Street, Hamilton after they saw a white hilt sticking out of the waistband of his pants.

Officers searched him and found two knives, each with a cutting edge of 7in.

Williams told officers that he used the knives for “cooking or fishing”.

He added: “If I leave them at my camp, they’d get stolen”.

Officers arrested Williams and took him to Hamilton police station for questioning, but Williams refused to talk to officers.

The incident happened on Wednesday.

Williams told the court that he went fishing that day but was unable to catch anything because of bad weather.

He added that he was on his way to get food when he was stopped by police.

Williams said: “I just want to get back to my life.”

Magistrate Maxanne Anderson ordered a social inquiry report on Williams and adjourned the case until April 22.

She released Williams on $1,500 bail and ordered him to stay with family until his court date.

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