A BALACLAVA-wearing teen who carried a machete in his rucksack was set upon by older youths, a court heard.

Magistrates told the 16-year-old he could face a spell in detention after he pleaded guilty to possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Swindon Youth Court heard the boy, who cannot be named because he is under 18, was cycling through the town centre when he was punched by two men from Bristol. During the fight, the machete fell from the teen’s bag. He then fled on foot.

But magistrates were told that the machete, which boasted a 20-inch blade, did not belong to the boy.

Defending, Tony Nowogrodski said: “The difficulty in this particular case is very poor decision making. The day when this offence took place the town was enjoying some very nice hot weather. The defendant decided to go out on his bike to Queen’s Park.”

He found the machete stashed in a rucksack hidden in the park, the solicitor said. He decided to take the bag and machete, intending to take it through town to a friend’s house.

Mr Nowogrodski said: “That was a very silly thing to do. He had nothing to do with it, no purpose for it. He simply removed it. He was cycling and for whatever reason decided to take off his t-shirt. For whatever reason, probably known only to teenagers, he was also wearing a balaclava and sunglasses. It’s not illegal, but it does look odd.”

He was accosted by two older men as he cycled along College Street: “They saw him on his bike, bare chested, black balaclava and sunglasses and they decide to raise a comment.”

Rather than pedal away, a fight broke out. In the ensuing confusion the machete fell out the boy’s rucksack and the lad ran away. CCTV later identified him.

Mr Nowogrodski said his client had led a challenging life, with a previous conviction for possession of a knife: “In the last 12 months things have begun to settle down and he can enjoy the things that other children take for granted.” The boy had been honest and open with police.

However, he admitted the boy made poor choices: “If it had been any other person in Queen’s Park they would have left the bag alone. Any other person would not have started an argument with two youths in full view outside Debenhams.”

The teen’s sister, who accompanied him to court, said: “He’s not a bad kid, he’s a lovely boy. He just does silly things.”

Magistrates adjourned for a pre-sentence report. Chairman of the bench Simon Wolfensohn said: “We have to consider a detention training order.” The boy is due back in court on June 5.