According to a recent survey 62% of young people in mainstream education have never carried a weapon*, but, as a result of high profile cases such as the murder of Luke Walmsey there is a lot of concern about young people carrying and using weapons.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2003, Luke Walmsley, went to school at Birbeck Secondary School in Lincolnshire just as he would have done on any other school day. Sadly he never returned home.
Luke, who was 14 years old was stabbed in the chest by Alan Pennell. Alan who was also a pupil at the school had used a 3 inch flick knife in the attack.
Luke, who was 14 years old was stabbed in the chest by Alan Pennell. Alan who was also a pupil at the school had used a 3 inch flick knife in the attack.
As a result of the stabbing Luke collapsed and died. At the time of the stabbing Alan Pennell was only 15 years old.Alan was arrested and charged with the murder of Luke. At the end of the court case, Alan was found guilty. The judge recommended that Alan should serve at least 12 years in prison.
The sad fact is that if Alan Pennell has not been carrying a knife, Luke Walmsley would probably still be alive today.
The sad fact is that if Alan Pennell has not been carrying a knife, Luke Walmsley would probably still be alive today.
Some young people carry weapons because they think it makes them look good, some because it's what all their mates do and some because it makes them feel safe, but are they breaking the law?
Any item which has a blade or is sharply pointed can be classed as an offensive weapon.
This includes any item which has been made or changed so that it could cause injury.
This includes any item which has been made or changed so that it could cause injury.
If you are caught carrying an item in a public place then it's up to you to prove that it wasn't made or changed to cause injury.
It's no excuse to say you're carrying a weapon for someone else. If you're found guilty by a court, depending on your age you could face imprisonment, a fine of up to £1000 or both.
There are certain times when people can carry what might otherwise be seen as offensive weapons:
someone might buy a knife which they are going to use at home in their kitchen, or if they may use a knife in order to do their job.
As a student in Food technology or Design and Technology you might need to use a knife or a sharp object to complete a piece of work.
Some people such as Sikhs may carry a type of knife call a 'kirpan' because it forms part of their religious beliefs.
It is possible to carry an item which would normally be classified as an offensive weapon if it forms part a national costume.
Any knife, knife blade or razor blade.
Any axe
Any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed and which is made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person.
Schools and youth clubs take the carrying of weapons by students very seriously. Most schools will have a policy banning students bringing any form of knife or other offensive weapon on to school premises. Weapons or knives can be confiscated by teachers and if you are found with an offensive weapon at school you might be excluded.
Police officers have the power to enter school premises and to search both the premises and any person there for an offensive weapon, if they have good reason to believe such a weapon to be on the premises.
Police officers have the power to enter school premises and to search both the premises and any person there for an offensive weapon, if they have good reason to believe such a weapon to be on the premises.
Q.
If I have a knife hidden in my pocket how would the police know I have it?
A.
The Police have special powers to stop and search people for knives and the Home Secretary has said that he is going to make these powers even wider. Hiding a knife provides no real protection against being caught.
Q.
Can I carry a knife to protect myself from people who might attack me in the street?
A.
No. The law does not allow you to carry a knife or any other weapon for self-defence.
(*Source Mori youth survey 2004)