Knifeman's Fisherman's Excuse Fails To Get Him Off Hook

A knifeman's poor driving and lack of fishing equipment has seen him locked-up pending sentence for having the weapon and drugs in his car.

Daren Weekes, 33, of Upper Clapton Road, Clapton was stopped by undercover police patrolling his neighbourhood in unmarked cars.

He pleaded guilty at Thames Magistrates Court to possessing an offensive weapon and cannabis and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Wood Green Crown Court on May 11.

His excuse for having the knife for fishing fell apart when no rods, nets or equipment were found in his car.

On April 11 officers spotted Weekes' dark coloured Audi driving carelessly at 9.40pm at the junction of the A10 with Clapton Common.

Police followed the vehicle, which proceeded onto Geldeston Road and came to a halt.

The officers spoke with Weekes, who was driving the vehicle.

He admitted he had cannabis.

A search was conducted under the Misuse of Drugs Act and he then admitted to being in possession of a knife.

During the search, the cannabis and lock knife were recovered from his trouser pocket.

Weekes also had a 'man bag' containing further cannabis.

When questioned about the weapon, Weekes claimed it was a fishing knife.

He was challenged about the whereabouts of his fishing equipment and claimed he didn't have it with him.

He was arrested and taken to an east London police station.

The court heard that the defendant had a previous conviction for possession of an offensive weapon.

On July 24, 2016 he was found in possession of a machete.

He was sentenced to six months at Wood Green Crown Court on October 10, 2016.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, the borough knife crime lead from Hackney CID, said:"This case clearly demonstrates the importance of using a range of tactics to tackle knife crime.

“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.

"Hackney officers and the Metropolitan 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 - you will almost certainly save a life."