Man found with huge knife hidden in clothing at Essex train station

An Essex man has been jailed just 24 hours after he was arrested for having a knife at a train station. Suwilanji Siwale was seen looking "nervous" by a ticket inspector who became suspicious and detained him, finding the enormous weapon within his clothing.

The 21-year-old of Heronsgate, Frinton on Sea, has now admitted possession of an article with blade or point in a public place following the incident on Thursday June 21 this year. Magistrates at North Essex Magistrates Court gave him a 26 week prison sentence - six and a half months.

The court heard how on June 22, Siwale was spoken to by a Revenue Inspector at Chelmsford Railway Station regarding his lack of valid travel ticket, and officers’ suspicions were raised by his nervous behaviour. He was then detained and searched, and a concealed knife was found in his waist band.

PC Moyses Coutinho from BTP County Lines Task Force said: "There is no reason why someone should carry a knife on the rail network, and I am pleased the courts were able to get this individual sentenced in such a timely manner.

"In 24 hours he was found, arrested and sentenced, taking another potentially dangerous individual off the streets."

References

1. ^{^} Crime and court news from across Essex (www.essexlive.news)