The Crown Prosecution Service has made it clear that anyone caught in possession of a knife in a public place should expect to be prosecuted, regardless of whether they have previously been in trouble with the police.
The policy is not confined to the big cities and is catching local people.
Ruth Johnson says: “People must exercise caution and think carefully about what they carry with them.
“Under the new policy, people can expect to be charged.
“There is an exception where the item is a folding pocket knife and the cutting edge of the blade is 3 inches or below. Lock knives will not be treated as folding pocket knives. Where the knife has a locking mechanism, regardless of the length of the blade, it will be considered a prohibited article.
“There is a defence however, that the knife was being carried for good reason or with lawful authority – but it is for the defendant to prove this.”
Ruth is aware of a recent case in which a young woman was prosecuted for carrying a (lock) knife in her make up case. She explained to the court that she used the knife for sharpening her eyeliner pencil. However, this did not amount to a defence but only mitigation.
“The young woman in this case received a community sentence, but in general, people in these situations are at risk of custody,” warns Ruth.
“Whether the new policy is an over reaction to the violence in our cities is a matter for the politicians, but for individuals at risk of criminal conviction, even though they may have no intention of committing an offence, the consequences can be very serious.”
The recent violent and fatal attacks in our capital city have led to the realisation that tackling knife crime is of paramount importance in order to safeguard youngsters and communities across the Country.
Ruth comments: “Whilst British Crime Survey statistics may show a decrease in the overall level of violent crime, knife attacks appear on the increase with victims and offenders becoming younger and younger. The government has sought to increase penalties for those offenders carrying knives in an effort to rid the streets of weapons; however it is unclear whether tougher penalties can act as a sufficient deterrent.
“In early summer, the Crown Prosecution Service implemented a new charging policy for knives to take immediate effect. It has been made clear that anyone caught in possession of a knife should expect to be prosecuted, regardless of whether they have previously been in trouble with the Police.
“Despite fears of growing gang culture and knife related incidents, it will no doubt be argued that the latest decision to implement a tougher approach to knife related crime is designed to deliver a clear message to everyone, not solely youths, that carrying a knife, offensive weapon or bladed article is a serious offence and will be treated as such. It will be made clear that not only are knives capable of causing injury but they incite violence and will be viewed as a danger to the public. “ |
