Judge gives stark warning to man caught carrying a knife again

A judge warned of the dangers of people carrying knives when a Grimsby man was caught again armed with a knife in public.

James Campbell, 20, of Newhaven Terrace was told he faced a wasted lifetime in jail in instalments if he persisted with possession of weapons in public.

He admitted having a lock knife on Victoria Street, Grimsby on October 26 this year, just a month after being given a suspended sentence at court, also for possession of a blade.

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At Grimsby Crown Court, Judge Richard Woolfall said the culture of knife carrying is "toxic." "It is a toxic combination when someone is in possession of a knife and there is a cross word said, bumping into another or even a look given. Carrying a knife is not the answer. People, like you, with parents, come to court having lost someone," said the judge.

He was interrupted, when Campbell said: "I have been stabbed myself." Prosecuting, Billy Torbett said police officers in Grimsby town centre spotted Campbell walking near the junction of Frederick Ward Way and Victoria Street with a black face covering, after there had been a report of someone with a knife at shortly before 8pm on October 26.

The description given to police matched that of Campbell who was on his mobile phone to someone. Mr Torbett said he was unsteady on his feet and appeared to the officers to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

One of the officers saw he had an item tucked into the waistband of his jogging bottoms. He was searched and police discovered a lock knife. Campbell told his friend on the phone "They've found my flicky."

The prosecutor said Campbell has nine convictions for 19 offences which included robbery and three for possession of blades in 2021. There were subsequent convictions for possession of a blade.

For Campbell, Ian Durant said his client had an unenviable record of previous offences. He said he co-operated with police and did not brandish the weapon nor threaten anyone. He added he hoped his client would realise, on his release, the significant consequences of his offending. "I'm not sure if it is bravado among his peers," said Mr Durant.

Judge Woolfall said: "This wasn't a flick knife, it was a lock knife. It is a nasty weapon." He gave a warning about the dangers of carrying knives in public places.

The judge added: "You keep carrying a knife and I will keep locking you up. That is a promise. Then you are going to waste your life in prison, in instalments."

He jailed Campbell for a total of 14 months.