A man has been sent to prison after officers found a "large" machete tucked inside his jacket.

Luke Thomas, aged 23, of no fixed abode, was stopped and searched in Alston Drive, Bradwell Abbey on November 20 at around 9:30pm where officers located the machete in a sheath.

He was arrested at the scene and was charged and remanded to court the following day.

On Tuesday (December 13), he was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined £187 after he pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place in a hearing at Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court on November 22.

Sergeant Jon Holt, based at Milton Keynes police station, said: “This is a prime example of how Operation Deter is working in Milton Keynes.

“Thomas was arrested when found in possession of a machete and was charged and remanded to court, rather than being bailed.

“Following his guilty plea, the Magistrate remanded Thomas to prison ahead of sentencing, meaning that he was not back on the streets to pose any risk to our community.

“He will now serve a prison sentence as a result of his decision to carry this dangerous weapon.

“Thames Valley Police’s Operation Deter will continue to pursue those who carry such weapons, and our message is clear.

“If you carry a knife, you are highly likely to be arrested, charged, remanded, and dealt with by the courts.

“We will have no hesitation in seeking swift charges and remands for such offenders as we are committed to making our communities safer for law-abiding members of the public.”