Driver flees after knife found in car

MAN TRIED TO ESCAPE BUT SOON CAUGHT

A DRIVER tried to flee on foot when police found an 11-inch hunting knife stashed in his car.

Ricardo Henson was pulled over near the Excelsior Academy, in Scotswood, Newcastle, while travelling with two passengers on the late evening of August 26 this year.

Officers searched his vehicle and found a hidden 11-inch hunting knife, which had a six-inch blade, Newcastle Magistrates’ Court was told.

And, when he was confronted about the weapon, he tried to escape on foot only to be arrested moments later.

Henson now faces prison after pleading guilty to possessing a bladed article.

Clare Irving, prosecuting, told magistrates police pulled Henson, 24, over on Whitefield Road after they saw him driving “at speed” along Denton Road, in Scotswood, at around 11.15pm.

Ms Irving said: “The police officer goes to approach the vehicle and there was a strong smell of cannabis.”

Within 15 minutes, two further police officers arrived at the scene and Henson’s car was searched.

The prosecutor added: “The search revealed a hunting knife in a sheath with a six-inch blade under the handle under the handbrake – between the driver and front passenger seat.

“The defendant attempted to escape on foot. He was detained and handcuffed. He then says ‘The knife is mine, it’s nothing to do with them [the passengers].’”

Once arrested, he said in interview he’d forgotten about the “large knife” and denied it was for his protection.

The case was adjourned for the preparation of a pre-sentence report but magistrates warned Henson, who was released on bail, they were potentially looking at custody.