A MAN caught driving while disqualified was found to have a kitchen knife with him, a court has heard.

Lee Smith's driving ban had expired, but he hadn't sat the extended test to allow him to be back behind the wheel.

And so the 22-year-old also had no insurance.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court heard on April 2 how around 2am on February 16 this year. police were in John Knox Street, Whitecrook, when they stopped Smith.

Officers confirmed he was disqualified until he resat an extended test, said fiscal depute Megan Dow.

"I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't have done this," he said to police. "I'm going to be kept in for this."

The vehicle was searched and a black Ikea kitchen knife of 13cm was found.

Smith, of Glasgow Road, Clydebank, later pleaded guilty to driving while disqualified in John Knox Street and St Andrews Way. He also admitted to having no insurance.

And he accepted he had a knife in a public place.

Defence solicitor Stephen McGuire said his client had moved in with his partner and bought a set of kitchen knives and one had become separated from the rest. It had ended up in the car.

Sheriff David Hall said the blade was "readily accessible" to Smith where it was.

Turning to the man, the sheriff said: "I will give you credit for pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

"I take it you understand now once the period of disqualification ends, you have to pass the extended test."

He imposed a one-year community payback order with supervision by social workers. Smith must also do 120 hours of unpaid work in the community.

This is an alternative to custody.

Smith was disqualified for another year.