Tyrese Wright, 24, has been ordered to complete 120 hours of unpaid work after admitting possession of a folding pocket knife in Birmingham city centre. The case was heard at Birmingham Magistrates' Court, where Wright pleaded guilty to the offence.
The defendant, of Deelands Road, Birmingham, was searched by police on May 8 of this year for another matter when the blade was discovered. Wright, who had no previous convictions, admitted during the search that the knife belonged to him.
Court hears details of the incident
Ms Mehnaz Mallik, prosecuting, described the matter as a 'clear' one. She said: "It is a simple matter of a bladed article being found on the defendant, having been searched for another matter at the time."
Ms Mallik added: "It was clean and clear, he admitted he had a blade."
Ms Garcha, defending, noted that Wright pleaded guilty early in the proceedings. She emphasised that the blade was not at any point 'brandished' during the incident.
Defence highlights early plea and cooperation
Ms Garcha said: "The defendant accepts that he had the blade in his pocket when spoken to by the police. He explained that he had taken the blade out of his pocket and said he had a blade."
The defence also stated that Wright had worked in 'full cooperation' with police at the time and had supplied an 'early guilty plea'. The court was told that Wright had no previous convictions, which was taken into account during sentencing.
Community order and financial penalties imposed
Wright was handed a 12-month community order with specific requirements. As part of the order, he must complete 20 rehabilitation requirement days (RAR) and 120 hours of unpaid work.
In addition to the community order, Wright was ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a surcharge of £114. A deprivation order was also made for the knife, meaning the blade will be confiscated and destroyed.
The sentence reflects the seriousness of carrying a bladed article in a public place, while taking into account the defendant's early guilty plea and cooperation with police. The 120 hours of unpaid work and rehabilitation days form part of the 12-month community order that Wright must now complete.
