Jail for man who had 12-inch knife on Telford street
A former painter and decorator described as a recluse and a loner has been jailed for carrying a 12-inch knife in a public place.
Matthew Walls, 30, of Dalford Court, Hollinswood, Telford, admitted a charge of having an offensive weapon in his possession while drunk in Dawley High Street in the middle of the day in February.
Sentencing Walls to six months in custody at Shrewsbury Crown Court, Recorder Stephen Thomas said: “Stabbings are more common than they used to be because more and more people are carrying knives and using knives.
“You have a very bad record in this respect”
Edward Soulsby, prosecuting, told the court Walls has two previous convictions for having a knife and a bladed article in public.
He said police were called after reports of two drunk men jumping in front of cars on Dawley High Street.
On attending, police officers searched them and found a knife in Walls’ waistband.
Mr Soulsby added Walls began to argue with officers. However during interview he admitted the offence.
Ranjit Sandu, for Walls, said his client never brandished the knife or used it to threaten anyone.
He said his client realised he had previous convictions, and in the past his offending had been linked to an abusive home life.
However, he said his client had turned his life around, and had entered a guilty plea at the first opportunity.
He added that his client did not go out much and described him as a loner and recluse, who had only gone out drinking that day.
He also said his client had picked the knife up at someone’s home, but couldn’t give any reasonable explanation as to why he had the knife with him.
The court was told Walls had issues with class A drugs and alcohol, and that he had mental health problems and he could be a danger to other people.
The judge said he had to impose the minimum sentence of six months in prison, but Walls would serve half in custody and half on licence.
