An aspiring law student from Birmingham has been handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught with a knife, with a judge telling him to "get your education and get a job." Zakariya Tayyab, 19, of Reginald Road, Saltley, appeared at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, August 4, after pleading guilty to possession of a bladed article in a public place.
Incident on Common Lane
The incident occurred on July 3 when police officers, responding to a pursuit following an RTC on Washwood Heath Road, stopped and searched two males walking down Common Lane. Tayyab was found with a lock knife in the front pocket of his crossbody bag. He claimed the knife was passed to him by an associate, but he admitted he had no lawful excuse for carrying it.
Previous Conviction for Zombie Knife
The court heard that Tayyab had a previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon in a private place, specifically a zombie knife, from July of the previous year. This escalation from a private possession to a public carrying of a knife was highlighted by the magistrates as a serious concern.
Defence Plea for Mercy
Representing Tayyab, Mr Singh told the court: "He accepts the mistakes he has made. It is to his credit he admitted that he didn't have good reason or a lawful excuse. He accepts he didn't leave the house with the knife, it was passed to him by an associate. He accepts he shouldn't have taken it. Clearly he made a monumental error in taking it."
Mr Singh added that Tayyab aspires to study law at university and hoped to secure a place this week, asking for the court's mercy. The court acknowledged that a conviction could cause difficulties for his university application but focused on rehabilitation.
Magistrates' Warning and Sentence
The Magistrates' Chair delivered a stern warning: "It is truly worrying that you have gone from having a zombie knife in private to having a lock knife in public. It does aggravate it. Be under no illusion if you are found to commit any offence between now and the next 18 months, a court may impose this sentence of six months. If you are found with a bladed article in a public place again, it is second strike and a mandatory prison sentence."
The chair then urged Tayyab: "Get your head down, graft and do not hang around with those lads you are hanging around with - it is a downward path. Get your education, get a job - fantastic."
Tayyab received a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months. He will not serve prison time unless he commits another offence. He must also complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
