Teenager caught with ‘Rambo knife’ in waistband
18-YEAR-OLD WAS PART OF A GANG LETTING OFF FIREWORKS IN STREET ON HALLOWEEN
A DERBY teenager was caught with a “Rambo-style” knife when he was chased and caught by police after fleeing down an alley.
Derby Crown Court heard how Anees Shoaib was found with the weapon after officers were called to reports he was part of a gang setting off fireworks in the street.
After initially running from officers, the 18-year-old eventually gave himself up and the blade was found tucked into his waistband.
Handing him an 18-month community order, Recorder Jason Macadam said: “You were, on this particular evening, associating with a large group who were misbehaving.
“You were only a young man, legally a child at 17 at the time, and keeping company with such people has led to you receiving a criminal record for an offence which was extremely serious.
“I have no idea whether you were passed this (knife) by a friend or if you took it out yourself, but if you took it out, for whatever reason, then that’s a very dangerous thing to do and an act of gross stupidity.
“And if you took it from one of your friends, that is also an act of gross stupidity and could have led to all sorts of terrible outcomes.
“I am sure you have brought great shame on your family and if you don’t take this opportunity there won’t be a second opportunity and you will go to prison.”
Leanne Summers, prosecuting, said police were called to reports that a gang was setting off fireworks in a Derby street at around 7.30pm on October 31, last year. She said as they made their way to the area they were further alerted that some of the group might have weapons.
The prosecutor said: “One male (Shoaib) ran down an alleyway, they pursued him and eventually he stopped. He was asked what was up the sleeve of his arm and he replied that it was a firework, and that was recovered.
“He was then searched and a Rambo-style knife was recovered from the waistband of his trousers. “The defendant was interviewed and gave ‘no comment’ answers.”
Shoaib, of Crewe Street, Normanton, later pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a bladed article.
Justin Ablott, his barrister, said: “It is a shame that this young man did not make admissions at the police station because he has not even had a reprimand or a caution until now, and had he done so he might have been given an out of court disposal.
“He has been an extremely foolish young man and his family were horrified when they found out what happened. Since then they have kept him on a short leash, checking where he is going, who he is going with and when he will be back.
“He has been very worried about these proceedings and perhaps that has had the desired effect?” As part of the community order, Shoaib was ordered to attend 10 rehabilitation sessions and pay £425 costs.