A WOMAN who carried a knife in her handbag after she was the victim of an attack found herself in court yesterday.

She was charged for carrying a weapon in a public place.

Mary Wallace, prosecuting, told Worcester Magistrates Court that the landlord of The Star and Garter pub in High Street, Droitwich, called the police, when a five-and-a-half-inch long knife fell out of Kim Eaton's handbag.

"On the way to the police station she got quite violent and had to be restrained in handcuffs," said the prosecutor.

Louise Tyler, defending, said the 40-year-old from Westcroft Court, Droitwich, originally bought the knife to repair damage to a window.

Victim

Ms Tyler said since Eaton had been the victim of an attack, she had habitually carried the knife in her handbag.

When she dropped her handbag it simply fell out along with the other contents, she said.

"The blade was in effect very blunt and was bought to cut sealing tape," said Ms Tyler.

"She did not produce the knife to threaten anyone."

Sgt Dave Coulson, from Worcester Police Station, said no one should carry weapons to protect themselves.

"Weapons cannot be carried for protection in any circumstances as it is illegal.

''If someone is in a situation where they feel threatened they should contact the police."

Eaton was given a 12-month discharge and ordered to pay costs of £75.