A man caught with an 'offensive weapon' in Bolton town centre claimed that it was for measuring racing pigeons.
Michael Allen, 32, was searched in Victoria Square, on June 2, and a police officer found a spring caliper in his pocket, prosecution counsel Tony Williams told Bolton Magistrates' Court.
The item - which was described as a 'compass-like tool' - was seized and Allen, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
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He was taken to Swinton Police Station, where he answered no comment to every question in interview, Mr Williams told the court.
Allen's defence solicitor Darin Millar said: "The defendant maintains this is a device for measuring the breast width of racing pigeons."
Mr Millar told the court that Allen's grandad, who used to keep pigeons, had recently died and his grandma had asked him to help clear out the loft space.
It was while clearing this out that Allen found the caliper, Mr Millar said.
He was on his way to deliver the tool to a family member when he was stopped by police, the court heard.
Allen declined to testify in court and a bench of magistrates found him guilty of possessing a sharp pointed article in a public place without good reason or lawful authority.
The 32-year-old, who has 67 convictions for 143 offences, was jailed for six months.
Chairman of the bench, Lindsay Charidemou said: "We feel this offence is so serious that only custody will do."
