Monday 19 July 2010

Knife Crime - We're (Not) Tackling It...

Asigno, 30, armed himself with a small knife and went looking for Nti, 29.

Prosecutor Guy Russell said: “He was shouting at him to come out and fight and punched Nti when he did come out.

“Nti yelled up to his partner to throw down a knife. It was considerably bigger than the one Asigno had.

“Asigno ran back to his premises and got an even bigger knife.
This could have gone on forever...

Still, I'm sure our justice system looked unfavourably on such...

Oh:
Both admitted possessing an offensive weapon and appeared at Brighton Crown Court for sentence yesterday. They were given ten-month prison sentences suspended for 18 months.

8 comments:

Chuckles said...

I see the article pre-empted me. As soon as I saw 'Brighton', I thought 'Hmmm, handbags at 10 paces.'
But it sounds like a typical 'pissing contest' in the best African tradition, with the likelihood of actual violence being about nil.
All that was missing was the 'Crocodile Dundee' moment, 'No, THIS is a knife...'

English Viking said...

I think you've made some typos with the names, they appear to be just a random selection of letters.

English Viking said...

I think you've made some typos with the names, they appear to be just a random selection of letters.

Brian, follower of Deornoth said...

He'll be one of the Gloucestershire Ntis, no?

Mark Wadsworth said...

Where's Crocodile Dundee when you need him?

JuliaM said...

"All that was missing was the 'Crocodile Dundee' moment, 'No, THIS is a knife...'"

I did consider that for the post title!

"...they appear to be just a random selection of letters."

:D

selsey.steve said...

Sentence in Hong Kong for Poss. of Offensive Weapon (includes ALL knives with blades longer than 3") other than for legitimate purpose (Boy Scouts still carry sheath knives) is 6 months in the lock-up. No exceptions, no suspended sentence.
CLANG.
End of.

Dredd, Judge Joseph said...

Title: Offensive weapons
Offence: Possess offensive weapon
Legislation: Prevention of Crime Act 1953 Section 1
Commencement Date:

Mode of Trial: Either way

Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty: 4 years

Sentencing Range:
Aggravating & Mitigating Factors

* Specific planned use of the weapon
* Hostility towards a minority group or individual. Racially/reg aggravated
* Acting under the influence of drugs or drink.
* Very dangerous weapon.
* Group action.
* Location
* No attempt to use.
* No premeditation
* Carried on a temporary basis
* Acting out of genuine fear
Relevant sentencing case law:

R v Buzzer [1996] 2 Cr App R (S) 271
Possession of a flick knife. Good character but pleaded NG. 3 months prison.

R v Dorado [2006] 1 Cr App R (S)
Road rage type case. D pulled out meat cleaver on another driver. No intention of premeditated violence. D worked as chef. 6 months prison. (And 6 months concurrent to an affray charge arising out of same incident).

R v Proctor [2000] 1 Cr App R (S) 295
D in possession of plastic bottle containing ammonia, capable of causing discomfort but not permanent injury. NG plea, pre cons. 9 months.

From the CPS Website