KNIFEMAN IN PARK IS JAILED
A MAN has been jailed after he was caught with a knife in a town centre park and chased by police.
Thomas Brint attracted suspicion from police on patrol in Newhall Park after he was spotted running to a car and driving off quickly after seeing the officers.
PCSOS from Swadlincote police safer neighbourhood team followed Brint by car and he was requested to stop.
While he was speaking to officers, Brint then ran off on foot but was later caught. A search revealed he had a knife and a quantity of cannabis on him and he was arrested.
The incident happened on March 4. Brint has now been jailed for 12 weeks after admitting possession of a knife and cannabis. He also admitted breaching a suspended sentence imposed by the courts.
Inspector Christopher Thornhill, who is in charge of policing in South Derbyshire, praised the “proactive policing” to catch Brint after he was jailed.
He said: “We welcome the jail sentence he was given it is shows other people who think they can commit these sorts of crimes what the repercussions are.”
Inspector Thornhill added that police patrols have been stepped up to tackle knife crime in the district as part of Operation Sceptre, part of a national crackdown against knife crime. In South Derbyshire, officers have been patrolling high-profile areas such as Newhall Park, Eureka Park and Maurice Lea Memorial Park, where issues with anti-social behaviour have been reported.
Superintendent Sarah Mcaughtrie, operational lead for knife crime across Derbyshire, said: “In Derbyshire we work tirelessly to reduce serious violence and knife crime all year round through our Project Zao, during this week we will be working together to do even more.
“We want the young people of the county to feel safe when they go out and to understand that carrying a knife brings with it more risk than protection. We work closely with local authorities and schools to educate young people about the dangers of knife crime. The ‘drop the knife’ campaign works with those at risk of becoming involved to divert them to a better life by explaining the serious consequences that carrying a knife can have and the tragedy that can occur as a result. Our children deserve to thrive and shouldn’t be exposed to the devastation that the carrying of weapons bring.
“We also need the public to help us by looking out for each other and telling us if they have concerns about an individual who they believe may be considering carrying a weapon or actually doing so.
“We can act on that information to make sure everyone is equipped with the information to make the right decisions, decisions that can have a huge impact on their future.
“Operation Sceptre is a great opportunity to get people talking and to make people think twice.”
We welcome the jail sentence as it shows other people what the repercussions are.
Insp Christopher Thornhill