A drug addict caught with a Stanley knife blade within an hour of a stabbing in Dartford could have walked free from court this week – but is back behind bars at his own request.

Christian Hinkley, who was originally charged in connection with the knifing, had already spent six months on remand in prison, the equivalent of a year’s sentence.

But even when the prosecution offered no evidence against him this week, the 28-year-old expressed through his legal team his bizarre desire to stay behind bars for longer.

A judge at Maidstone Crown Court was told Hinkley, of Olive Road, Dartford, did not want to be released as there was “no structure” in place for him.

Describing the plea as “somewhat unusual”, Simon Wickens, defending, said such frankness should go to his credit.

“He has nowhere to go, would have to go back to the Dartford area and he has had problems with drugs since the age of 14.

“He sees himself going full circle and ending up before the courts again at no time at all.”

Hinkley even spoke from the dock, telling Judge Charles Macdonald QC he did not want to return to his former way of life.

Confirming he had undergone drug-related courses while on remand, he said: “I want help. You see I have a bad criminal record. I don’t want to go back to that.”

The court heard that Hinkley was arrested less than an hour after Luke Atkinson was stabbed in Dunlop Close, Dartford, at about 4.30pm on September 22 last year.

Reports at the time said he suffered arm injuries.

Prosecutor Allister Walker said Hinkley was stopped in Olive Road and a the knife blade was found in the front pocket of his bag.

He admitted having a bladed article in a public place but denied wounding Mr Atkinson with intent to cause bodily harm, and the prosecution offered no evidence after telling the court there had been “insurmountable difficulties” in relation to both the victim and independent witnesses and that there was “no realistic prospect” of a conviction.

After hearing Hinkley’s unusual request, Judge Macdonald adjourned for a probation report with the view to imposing a suspended sentence or community order with a drug rehabilitation requirement.

Hinkley has a previous conviction relating to an imitation firearm as well as breaches of earlier court orders.

When Judge Macdonald remarked that this was not “encouraging”, Hinkley was heard to reply: “Can I say I didn’t want help then.”

He was remanded in custody until April 27.