A MAN who was armed with a knife “potentially to use it in a fight” has been locked up for nine months.
Burnley Crown Court heard how Jake Bannister was subject to a suspended jail term for what a judge described as an “ identical offence” at the time.
Bannister, who has a record for violence, was told he had had his chance, even though he claimed he was intent on sorting his life out. The defendant (21), of Albert Road, Barnoldswick, had admitted having a bladed article and had been committed for sentence by Pennine magistrates.
Miss Sara Dodd (prosecuting) said that at 2-45 p.m. on March 25th, police went to Albert Road after reports of a disturbance involving the defendant and another man.
Bannister said the other man had turned up at his home uninvited and wouldn’t leave. The officer sent the man on his way and left. Ten minutes later, the officer was summonsed back again because of trouble in the street.
Miss Dodd said it was clear the defendant was under the influence of something. Bannister told the officer: “You’re nothing, copper. You know the truth.” He was detained and another person indicated the officer should take the knife off him that he had previously been waving around.
The officer asked Bannister if there was a knife and he replied: “I haven’t hurt anyone with that. You know I wouldn’t.” The officer went to a nearby waste bin and recovered a knife. The defendant was questioned and claimed a group of people had earlier entered his house and refused to leave. He said he was going to the shop to buy a drink and was taking the knife with him because he was scared of what happened earlier.
The hearing was told on January 17th last year, Bannister had been given 90 days on prison, suspended for a year, for having a bladed article. The operational period had been extended by three months when he committed a further offence.
Mr Kristian Cavanagh, for Bannister, said he had self -referred to Inspire, demonstrating an insight into his offending and a level of maturity that he had not displayed before. The solicitor added: “In his own words, he’s intent on sorting himself out.”
Sentencing, Recorder Paul Lawton said he had no doubt that Bannister had the knife in his possession potentially to use it in a fight.
He told the defendant: “In my judgement, you have exhausted any prospect of second chances, despite the efforts you have made.”