Jail For Train Knifeman

A train ticket-dodger was caught with a knife on him after an inspector caught him travelling without paying his fare.

Twenty-four hours later Suwilanji Siwale, 21, was starting a twenty-six week prison sentence.

British Transport Police officers attached to the County Lines Task Force searched him when alerted by his nervous behaviour.

Siwale, of Heronsgate, Frinton-on-Sea, Essex pleaded guilty to possessing an article with a blade or point at Chelmsford railway station on June 22.

He appeared in custody the following day at North Essex Magistrates' Court, which heard he was challenged by a Revenue Inspector when unable to produce a valid train ticket.

Due to his suspicious behaviour he was detained and searched by police officers and the concealed knife was found in his waistband.

PC Moyses Coutinho from BTP's County Lines Task Force said: "There is no reason why someone should carry a knife on the rail network, and I am pleased the courts were able to get this individual sentenced in such a timely manner. 

“In twenty-four hours he was found, arrested and sentenced, taking another potentially dangerous individual off the streets."