Knifeman caught with drugs hidden in his HAIR in Piccadilly Gardens

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

A man was caught with bags of drugs in his hair after being arrested in Piccadilly Gardens. Helder Correia Brito, 20, was searched by police who found a three-inch folding pocket knife then three snap bags of cannabis 'concealed in his hair' on May 6.

Just under a month later, on June 5, he was arrested again after being caught with a bag of cocaine. Police found another two bags of white powder after Brito, of Salford, was booked into custody. READ MORE:Roads taped off as 'armed police' scrambled to shopping precinct - latest updates Brito appeared before Tameside Magistrates' Court today (October 10) and pleaded guilty to possession of cannabis, cocaine, failing to attend court and possession of a folding pocket knife.

The court heard he was carrying the knife 'for personal protection'. Handing him a six month custodial sentence suspended for 12 months, chair of the bench, Rachel Medcalf, told him that the possession of the knife was the "most serious offence". "We feel there is reasonable chance of rehabilitation so we are not going to send you to custody," Ms Medcalf added.

Brito, of Leicester Avenue, Salford, was ordered to pay £213 in court costs. No separate penalty was given for the drugs and court offences due to the knife offence being the most serious, Ms Medcalf added. For more of today's top stories click here. READ NEXT: Dad stabbed trying to protect son as violence erupts in early hours National food critic heaps praise on Manchester restaurant Nurse accused of killing babies was poisoner at work, trial hears Driver climbs out of overturned car and runs away after Audi flips onto roof during police chase RSPCA investigates after 'battered' body of XL American bulldog found dumped