Man jailed for carrying Stanley knife - Leeds

A 61-year-old man has been jailed for carrying a blade on a busy train, following a British Transport Police investigation.

John Hall, of Central Avenue, Baildon, Bradford, pleaded guilty to carrying a bladed article at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 29 April.

He was sentenced to 20 weeks in jail and ordered to pay a £115 victim surcharge.

The court heard how on Saturday, March 30, 2019, Hall and the group of friends he was travelling with on a train from Scarborough to Leeds were reported for their loud, lairy and abusive behaviour. Officers spoke with the group at Leeds station but Hall refused to co operate, instead becoming aggressive and obstructive.

As a heavily intoxicated Hall attempted to move away from officers as they tried to detain him, stumbling into people, he became increasingly aggressive, clenching his fist and raising it at the female officer.

Following his arrest for being drunk and disorderly, he was found to be in possession of a Stanley knife. He was further arrested for a public order offence.

Investigating officer Grace Bower said: “Everyone should be able to travel without fear of abuse.

“Instead of complying with officers Hall’s behaviour escalated the situation which led to his arrest. He was later found to be carrying a blade.

“No one should feel intimated or afraid by the behaviour of another.

“Hopefully the sentence handed down will give Hall cause to contemplate his actions.”