From arrest to jail within 24 hours - man jailed for knife possession

A man who was found in possession of a knife in Aylesbury has been jailed after Thames Valley Police’s Operation Deter secured a swift charge and remand.

Simon Pettitt, aged 41, of Avenue Road, Winslow, pleaded guilty to a count each of possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article and possession of a controlled drug of class A, namely cocaine, in a hearing at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court last Monday (31/7).

He was subsequently given a prison sentence of 26 weeks.

At just before 5.45pm on Sunday 30 July, Pettitt was detained for a stop and search on Grenville Road in Aylesbury, where officers located a knuckleduster, knife and cocaine.

He was arrested and taken into custody, where, through Operation Deter principles, he was charged to appear before court the following day.

He admitted the offences at the first hearing and was given an immediate custodial sentence.

PC Tom Cox of the Aylesbury South Neighbourhood team said: “We are absolutely committed to remove offensive weapons and bladed articles from our streets.

“Pettitt was found in possession of weapons and was arrested.

“Using Operation Deter principles, we sought a swift charge and remand to court, and as a result, Pettitt was charged, convicted and sentenced within 24 hours.

“This is another example of Operation Deter working to remove dangerous weapons from our streets and holding those who choose to carry them to account.

“Pettitt was given an immediate custodial sentence, and I hope this sends a strong message to those who feel it is acceptable to carry a knife in public, that it is not, under any circumstances.

“Knife carrying will not be tolerated in Thames Valley. Harsher consequences mean you will end up in court. Operation Deter is our zero tolerance approach as part of our overarching aim at tackling knife crime. There are no more second chances. If you carry a knife, you will be caught, you will be prosecuted, and you can expect to be held account for your actions.”