AN Ellesmere Port teenager has admitted being armed with an offensive weapon while out in public.

The 16-year-old male youth pleaded guilty at the first opportunity to being in possession of the sledgehammer when he appeared at Chester Magistrates Court on Wednesday, May 4.

The court heard the offence happened in Park Road on April 20.

Magistrates handed the teenager a nine-month referral order, meaning the teenager will have to meet the youth offender panel at Youth Justice Services Cheshire East, Cheshire West, Halton and Warrington.

The teenager will be urged to talk about his offending and sign a contract with activities he must complete. If he fails to comply, he could be brought back before the court.

The sledgehammer was also to be forfeited and destroyed.