Cork teen was carrying 'samurai-like' knife 'for own protection'

"We have to send out a message that this concept that it is OK to carry a knife for defence is a dangerous and failed concept," said Judge Colm Roberts.

Nathan McSweeney appeared at Midleton District Court. File Picture.

A teenager carrying what “looks like a samurai" knife, which he said he “carried for his own personal protection”, has narrowly avoided jail in a Cork court.

Nathan McSweeney, aged 19, of 15 Araglen Court, Deanrock Estate, Togher, was caught with the knife and €50 worth of cannabis during a garda stop-and-search.