Former Soldier Avoids Jail After Knife Incident at Barrow Flats
A former member of the armed forces has avoided an immediate prison sentence after admitting possession of a large kitchen knife. Following an incident in a block of flats in Barrow.
Darren Williams, 40, of Low White Close, Barrow, pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place when he appeared at South Cumbria Magistrates’ Court on June 11th.
The incident took place in the communal area of flats at Low White Close.
Magistrates suspended a 4 month prison sentence for 12 months. After deciding Williams had a “realistic prospect of rehabilitation”.
He was also ordered to complete 70 hours of unpaid work.
Court Told Knife Was Held Behind Him
Prosecutor Peter Kelly told the court that Williams had been seen wandering around the communal area of the flats and interacting with other people.
He said Williams was wearing a winter jacket and holding a knife behind him.
The court was told the knife was never recovered.
Possession of a knife in a public place is treated seriously by the courts because of the risk such weapons can pose, even when no injury is caused.
Defence Said He Had Been Helping a Friend
Defence solicitor Trystan Roberts told the court that Williams had been helping a friend decorate a flat at the time.
He said Williams had gone to retrieve the knife and added that his client had nothing on his record since 2015 and no previous matters involving weapons.
Mr Roberts also told magistrates that Williams had been released in 2018 and had performed “impeccably” while on licence.
The defence said Williams had served in the armed forces for more than 11 years, including stints in Iraq.
The court heard that he suffers from PTSD after his brother was killed by an improvised explosive device in front of him.
Mr Roberts said Williams would welcome unpaid work and that it could help his mental health.
Sentence Suspended for 12 Months
Magistrates decided not to send Williams straight to prison.
Instead, they imposed a four-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months. This means Williams will not go to jail unless he breaches the order or commits further offences during the suspension period.
As part of the sentence, Williams must complete 70 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay £85 in court costs and a £154 victim surcharge.
The case highlights how seriously courts treat knife possession, while also showing that magistrates can take personal background, previous conduct and the chance of rehabilitation into account when deciding sentence.
