A man found himself in court for having a knuckle duster in his home - following a change in the law.

Paul Burns, of West View Walk, Workington, pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing cannabis and a separate charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting, said Burns had contacted the police in the early hours of August 16 to report that his window had been smashed.

While looking for what had taken place, police found a knuckle duster and cannabis on the kitchen table.

They also found a hammer on the sofa and a kitchen knife placed behind the living room door, the court was told.

"The number of weapons readily available in the living room was concerning," Ms Fee said.

Burns had told police that he'd had the knuckle duster for "some time" but the law has changed and it is now illegal to own one, the court heard.

John Cooper, defending, said: "I think there will be quite a few people caught out by this legislation.

"This is new legislation. It's the first time I have seen it used in this court.

"Someone put his window out. He phoned the police. There were items in the house but he wasn't looking for trouble.

"He's had it for years. It's not something he takes out the house. It's more for show than anything else.

"This is an offence borne of ignorance."

Burns was given a community order and must adhere to a two-month curfew, from 6pm to 6am.

A destruction order was imposed for the knuckle duster and the cannabis.

Burns must also pay £85 costs and a £95 surcharge to fund victim services.