Man, 36, crashed van and had knuckleduster in Westwood Way, Droitwich

Daniel Foster, of Chequers Lane, Droitwich, also danced in front of officers to avoid taking a breathalyser test, Worcester Magistrates Court heard. 

John Dove, prosecuting, said the 36-year-old crashed his van at a roundabout in Westwood Way, Droitwich, on July 16 last year. 

Mr Dove said police caught up with Foster and when they arrested him on suspicion of drink driving, they also found the knuckleduster. 

"Police said they were arresting him for possession of an offensive weapon," the prosecutor said. 

COURT: Daniel Foster leaving Worcester Magistrates Court (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"He said it was not an offensive weapon, it is a defensive weapon."

Mr Dove said when Foster was taken to Worcester Police Station he was asked to take part in the drink drive testing procedure. 

"He was obstructive throughout," the prosecutor said. 

"He commented on the colours of the walls in the room and did a little dance in front of the officers."

Mr Dove added Foster had two previous convictions including one for drug driving. 

Chris Hilton defended Foster who admitted possession of an offensive weapon and failing to provide a specimen for analysis. 

WEAPON: A knuckleduster (stock image) (Image: Getty Images)

The solicitor explained Foster had an experience of being set upon at night by a group, and that had shaken him up. 

The bricklayer mentioned it at work and was given the knuckleduster by a colleague.

"Someone said 'have this for your protection' - he put it in the van and forgot about it," Mr Hilton said. 

The court heard after going on a night out, Foster crashed the van and decided to walk home for five miles. 

'No suggestion Daniel Foster brandished the knuckleduster' Worcester Magistrates Court hears

"He was in a housing estate he didn't know, at night," Mr Hilton said. 

"He put it in his pocket - there was no suggestion he used it or brandished it."

Mr Hilton added Foster had taken part in the roadside test but at the station knew he would fail and be banned, explaining that had been why he had acted unhelpfully to officers. 

Harry Turner, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Foster he was getting a 12-month community order with the requirement he completes 180 hours of unpaid work. 

Foster was disqualified from driving for 40 months but was offered the chance to do a drink-drive awareness course which could reduce the ban. 

Foster was also told to pay £185 costs and £114 victim surcharge. 

The case was heard at the court on Monday, (March 6).