Upper Clapton man caught with lock knife by police, claims it was for fishing
Convicted: Darren Weekes. Picture: Met Police - Credit: Archant
A man will be sentenced for knife possession after being caught in a proactive police operation in Clapton Common.
Darren Weekes, 33, of Upper Clapton Road, admitted possession of an offensive weapon and cannabis at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
He was caught by four plain clothes officers in unmarked vehicles on Wednesday. They noticed a dark Audi driving carelessly on the Common’s junction with the A10.
They followed it into Geldeston Road and it came to a halt. Weekes admitted having cannabis and a knife. This turned out to be a lock knife, which Weekes claimed was for fishing. There was no fishing equipment in his car.
Weekes had a previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon: a machete in July 2016, for which he was sentenced for six months.
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Det Insp Paul Ridley, Hackney Police’s leader against knife crime, said: “The covert officers decisively acted when they observed the vehicle which has led to another knife being taken off the streets.
“The excuse Weekes used for being in possession of the weapon was pure fiction. The magistrate has clearly recognised the seriousness of this offence and immediately directed the case to be heard at the Crown Court, refusing bail.
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“Hackney officers and the Met as a whole will continue using these positive tactics whilst people believe they can blatantly carry knives without consequences. We have recently sadly witnessed the horrific effects of these weapons.
“If you are aware of any knife carriers then report to police or anonymously via Crimestoppers (on 0800 555 111) – you will almost certainly save a life.”
Weekes will be sentenced at Wood Green Crown Court on May 11.
