A Palmerton man learned a hard lesson on how prior criminal convictions can come back and haunt you.

Joshua Todd Robert Barlip, 25, pleaded guilty in Carbon County court on Thursday to one count of possession of a prohibited offensive weapon.Judge Steven R. Serfass told Barlip that because of his prior criminal record he faced a long prison term according to state sentencing guidelines.Serfass then sentenced him to serve 9 months to one day less 24 months in the county prison. The 9 months was the low end of the guidelines.Barlip told Serfass, "I know I have along record. I'm trying to clean up my act."He added, "I was not out to hurt anyone. I was just walking around."Barlip was arrested on June 1 in the 200 block of Alley E by Palmerton police. Police stopped him and asked to look at his backpack. Found inside was a set of brass knuckles.Serfass also ordered Barlip to perform 100 hours of community service when released on parole, pay court costs of about $1,000 and pay a $50 per month supervision fee while on parole.Serfass permitted Barlip to delay the start of his jail term until 9 a.m. on Sept. 8.