A MAN who was out in Nelson with a cut throat razor two months after he was freed from jail, walked free from court.

Ex-hard drugs addict Samuel Caddis, 33, was on licence from an eight year prison term at the time.

It had been imposed on March 29, 2010, after he had injured a 74-year-old man when he tried to rob him.

Burnley Crown Court heard Caddis had been released automatically by the Home Office last December 13, after serving half the eight years. He had then been recalled by the Home Office and served 28 days for breach of licence after the razor offence — prompting a judge to say he couldn’t do anything about the fact the defendant had struck on licence and the Government had effectively taken over part of the sentencing.

The hearing was told roofer Caddis, who has 40 offences on his record, going back 20 years, was re-released after recall on March 19.

He had been arrested on Leeds Road on February 14, after he was talking to police and threw the razor and a cannabis pipe under the officer's van.

He claimed he had been given the razor to cut felt in his job.

The defendant, of Charles Street, Nelson, admitted having an article with a blade or point and was given a 12 month community order with an alcohol programme.