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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)
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