Man jailed 24 hours after being caught with knife  - Chelmsford

A 21-year-old man has been jailed for six-and-a-half months for possession of a knife at Chelmsford Railway Station – just 24 hours after being arrested by officers.

Suwilanji Siwale, of Heronsgate, Frinton on Sea, pleaded guilty to possession of an article with blade or point in a public place.

He was sentenced at North Essex Magistrates' Court on Friday 23 June to 26 weeks in prison.

The court heard how on Thursday 22 June, Siwale was spoken to by a Revenue Inspector 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."