Yahoo News Illegal weapon found under teenager's bed during police search
An illegal weapon was found under a teenager's bed following a police search of his house. Jahiem Blake reportedly "liked the look" of the baton but did not realise his purchase was against the law.
Blake was being investigated by Leicestershire Police for an unrelated aggravated burglary offence which did not result in him being charged. It was during the search of the 18-year-old's home that officers came across a friction lock baton under his bed. The baton is a weapon similar to one used by UK police officers.
At Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday (November 8), Blake pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon. Prosecutor Tracy Lovejoy told the court: "The police had attended the defedant's property to assist other officers with an investigation into aggravated burglary. They searched the property and discovered a friction lock baton."
Hinesh Bhayani, representing Blake, said: "He made full and frank admissions to the police. He had purchased it online not realising it was illegal to have such an item. He just liked the look of it. He thought it was legitimate and he just kept it in his room."
Mr Bhayani said there were no aggravating factors in the offence and that his client had electrical and plumbing qualifications and was looking for work.
The chair of the bench, Jane Morton-Humpheries, told Blake: "You didn't realise it was an offensive weapon but clearly it was. I don't know what else you would use it for - a baton isn't something you'd put on a cabinet to look at."
Blake was given a 12-month community with 80 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay £85 and a £114 victim surcharge and the magistrates ordered the weapon be destroyed.
