British Transport Police has reported that an 18-year-old man was jailed just a day after he was caught carrying a large combat knife at Dartford railway station.
The man, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to possession of a pointed or bladed article and on Tuesday 19 December was sentenced to six months in jail by Medway Magistrates Court.
He was also ordered to pay £85 for a forfeiture and destruction order, as well as a £154 victim surcharge.
The court heard how on Monday 18 December, the accused was travelling through Dartford railway station when he was stopped for a ticket check by revenue inspector. He was unable to produce a travel ticket, and British Transport Police officers’ suspicions were raised by his nervous behaviour. He was caught out when he gave a false name to officers.
He was detained but as officers prepared to search him, he attempted to flee but was stopped and taken to the floor with the help of rail staff. Whilst on the floor, he attempted to withdraw a concealed Rambo-style knife in his waist band.
Investigating Officer PC Alex Morgan said: “Thomas is clearly a dangerous individual, and I am extremely pleased to see him sentenced to 6 months imprisonment less than 24 hours after officers found him committing the offence.
“It is incredibly rewarding to get a violent individual and horrendous knife off the rail network, and I hope this sends a clear signal to offenders that anyone caught in possession of these dangerous weapons in public will be brought to justice.”