An asylum seeker staying in Welwyn Garden City has avoided jail for knife offences after pleading ignorance of the law in court.

Amir Salehian, who is residing at an asylum seeker hotel in WGC, pleaded guilty to carrying a lock knife at Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, on April 9 this year.

Chester Magistrates' Court handed him a 14-week sentence, suspended for 12 months on September 25.

The court stated that the 31-year-old's asylum seeker status, ignorance of the law, previous good character and strong personal mitigation gave them reason not to put him behind bars.

Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, carrying a knife in public can be punished with prison time ranging between six months and four years.

The court also decided not to fine or apply costs to Salehian, stating this would be unjustified as he was only in receipt of £9-per-week.