An 18-year-old who carried a kitchen knife onto the street has faced a series of setbacks leading to the “stupid mistake”, a court has heard.

Liam Smith, of Unity Street, in Chippenham, appeared in Swindon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, July 24, four months after he was arrested for possession of a knife and refused to sign a police caution.

The court heard that the 18-year-old had only carried the knife in self defence and he pleaded guilty to the offence.

Smith appeared at the same court on Thursday, August 15 where he was sentenced to a 12 month community order, including six-months alcohol treatment and 12 mental health sessions with Turning Point. 

The court heard that the incident on March 6 happened when a long-running dispute with another resident in his accommodation came to a head.

READ MORE: Man seen with knife in public after Chippenham disorder

Police were called to a disorder on a residential street in Chippenham (Image: Google Maps)

The court also heard that Smith claims he was 'thrown down the stairs' over “something quite petty” and a disorder spilt onto the street around 7.30pm.

Kate Prince, prosecuting, said: “When officers arrived there was no disorder taking place everyone had returned to their addresses. Mr Smith was distressed and taken to his parent's house for safeguarding.

“Other residents confirmed Mr Smith had had a knife. CCTV was checked and showed Smith had gone into the property and come out with a serrated bread knife, and is outside for approximately 20 seconds before re-entering.”

Rebecca Muncaster, of the probation service, explained: “There had been an issue an ongoing issue with another [supported accommodation] resident. 

“It could have been down to 10 pounds or something quite petty.

Police rushed to the incident on Unity Street in Chippenham (Image: Google Maps)

“He was threatened and attacked by residents and was thrown down the stairs. He was incredibly shocked and not thinking straight.

“He had been drinking which would have hindered his thinking. He went back into his room and picked up the knife, with no idea of his intention. 

“He says he was so scared that he was not thinking straight - a stupid and ultimately dangerous mistake.”

Smith has no previous convictions.

Liam Smith pleaded guilty at Swindon Magistrates Court (Image: Newsquest)

Muncaster added: “There was a traumatic incident when at 13 years old his best friend was sadly run over. He struggled to deal with the death. It still has an impact on his mental health.

“At 13 he essentially turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. He still drinks on a daily basis, between five and 10 cans of beer - he recognises that he needs help.”

In interview, Smith, who says he has ADHD, accepted he had taken a black bread knife onto the street for self-defence.

The knife is to be seized and a surcharge of £114 and £85 court costs were also imposed.