Menu
19/06/2015
Convicted Robber First To Be Charged Under New 'Blades Behind Bars' Law
A prisoner at HMP Birmingham is the first UK inmate to be charged under the new so-called 'blades behind bars' law.
Convicted robber John Garrett was referred to West Midlands Police's prison-based team over suspicions that he was in possession of a makeshift knife.
The 28-year-old was charged on Wednesday with possessing an offensive weapon in prison; allegedly a homemade knife made from pieces of plastic and razor blades constructed by the prisoner.
He is set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates on 06 July.
It is believed to be the first case of its kind since the Serious Crime Act (2015) came into force last month, making it illegal to possess a knife or offensive weapon in prison.
Previously, prison custody officers could confiscate weapons but, as anyone behind bars was not deemed 'in public', police were powerless to charge them with an offence.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Nick Dale, said: "We're working with G4S to keep weapons out of prison and keep prisoners and staff safe. This new legislation is a really useful tool and closes a loophole that previously allowed violent inmates to possess weapons without fear of prosecution.
"Anyone now caught with an offensive weapon in prison faces the prospect of having another four years added to their sentence."
(MH/JP)
Convicted robber John Garrett was referred to West Midlands Police's prison-based team over suspicions that he was in possession of a makeshift knife.
The 28-year-old was charged on Wednesday with possessing an offensive weapon in prison; allegedly a homemade knife made from pieces of plastic and razor blades constructed by the prisoner.
He is set to appear before Birmingham Magistrates on 06 July.
It is believed to be the first case of its kind since the Serious Crime Act (2015) came into force last month, making it illegal to possess a knife or offensive weapon in prison.
Previously, prison custody officers could confiscate weapons but, as anyone behind bars was not deemed 'in public', police were powerless to charge them with an offence.
West Midlands Police Detective Inspector Nick Dale, said: "We're working with G4S to keep weapons out of prison and keep prisoners and staff safe. This new legislation is a really useful tool and closes a loophole that previously allowed violent inmates to possess weapons without fear of prosecution.
"Anyone now caught with an offensive weapon in prison faces the prospect of having another four years added to their sentence."
(MH/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 November 2012
Longer Sentences Given For Serious Crimes
Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has welcomed new figures which show the courts are taking tougher action against offenders who do the most harm to our communities.
Longer Sentences Given For Serious Crimes
Scotland's Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill has welcomed new figures which show the courts are taking tougher action against offenders who do the most harm to our communities.
30 August 2011
Exclusive: UN Says Nuclear Test Ban 'Priority'
The UN Secretary General has called on states that have yet to sign up to the ban on nuclear testing to make it their "priority". In a 4NI.co.uk exclusive, Damien Whinnery, writes that Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that voluntary moratoriums on nuclear weapon tests are not enough.
Exclusive: UN Says Nuclear Test Ban 'Priority'
The UN Secretary General has called on states that have yet to sign up to the ban on nuclear testing to make it their "priority". In a 4NI.co.uk exclusive, Damien Whinnery, writes that Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that voluntary moratoriums on nuclear weapon tests are not enough.
31 October 2013
Robber Who Shot Fife Victims Jailed
A 20-year-old man who shot two women in Fife during an attempted robbery has been sentenced to over five years in jail. Oatis Fowler was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, having previously pled guilty to assaulting the two women, with the intent of robbing them.
Robber Who Shot Fife Victims Jailed
A 20-year-old man who shot two women in Fife during an attempted robbery has been sentenced to over five years in jail. Oatis Fowler was sentenced at the High Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday, having previously pled guilty to assaulting the two women, with the intent of robbing them.
14 October 2013
Man Arrested For Trying To Enter Buckingham Palace
Police have arrested a man after he tried to enter Buckingham Palace. He is believed to have been armed with a knife. According to Scotland Yard the man tried to enter the palace at the north centre gate at around 11.30am on Monday. He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and possessing an offensive weapon.
Man Arrested For Trying To Enter Buckingham Palace
Police have arrested a man after he tried to enter Buckingham Palace. He is believed to have been armed with a knife. According to Scotland Yard the man tried to enter the palace at the north centre gate at around 11.30am on Monday. He was arrested on suspicion of trespassing and possessing an offensive weapon.
14 August 2006
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
Prison officers suspended over corruption claims
Fourteen prison officers have been suspended from HMP Pentonville following allegations of corruption. A spokesperson for the Prison Service confirmed that the prison officers had been suspended over allegations which concerned trafficking and "inappropriate relations" with prisoners.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
