NEXT time Corey Earl wishes to remain discreet, he may think twice about carrying a blood-soaked bandage with him, after Tuesday's appearance in Gladstone Magistrates Court.

Walking alone down a busy road at 3am on August 9, Earl's appearance immediately raised the suspicions of police officers during a routine patrol.

Spotted walking along Emmadale Dr in the early hours of the morning, police approached Earl to decipher what had happened.

With his hand bleeding and wrapped in a white t-shirt, Earl was asked by police to empty the contents of his pockets.

The defendant complied, but when police noticed a bulge in his trousers, they proceeded to conduct a pat-down search.

A single-blade knife was then uncovered in the jean pocket of his pants.

Earl appeared in Gladstone Magistrates Court on Tuesday to answer to one charge of possession of a knife in a public place.

The defendant, a second-year apprentice electrician, pleaded guilty and was fined $400 with a conviction recorded.