chris.hale said:
That's very true. In the case of my Leatherman Wave, "I use it at work and I'm on my way there." is a valid reason, however "I might need it" might not be deemed as such.
Exactly so. The trouble is it's down to the Police Officer on the day what attitude he adopts. If your reason for possession isn't to his satisfaction he'll report you, as is his right, and then it's a matter for the courts to decide...and you'r then at the mercy, or otherwise, of whoever happens to be judging your case on the day. Whereas if it does comply with the Act, the PC has no right to report you simply for carrying it with no lawful reason i.e. you have an automatic defence and are not within the realms of "discretion".
At least, that's how I understand it.
There was a famous(ish) case (can't remember the name) that went to court and it went the wrong way and the fella was found guilty after appeal and that case has since been the subject of reference since.
Fergiebilly said:
Hi Folks
My brother and Had this debate the other night regarding the Law and carrying knifes.....
I worked in the Youth Criminal Justice for a number of years and one of my responsibilities was doing group work with young people whom were caught up in so called gang culture and carried knifes in the community for self defence......
Under the current UK knife Law it is not a criminal offence to carry a folding knife with not exceeding a 3 inch blade........
But here's the catch.......
You can still be charged for carrying a folding knife that is not exceeding a 3 inch blade in a public place.......
The usual charge is for carrying an offensive weapon.......and if this goes to court you must provide a reasonable explanation to the court for having the knife on your person in public place and this is done on a case to case basis........
Many of the young people that I worked with were convicted for a small folding knife on their key rings.......
Many young people are confused because under the current UK knife Law it is not a criminal offence to carry a folding knife with not exceeding a 3 inch blade.......
But the UK government Website states clearly ......Once criminal justice Investigation's proceedings and processes are started you must provide a reasonable explanation to the court for having the knife on your person in public place.........
Confused ? Most young people are ! No wonder !
Regards
Billy
I haven't looked it up for ages but believe the word is LOCKING rather than folding. I might be wrong (I often am).