Man sentenced for knife possession as result of Op Deter

A man from Slough has been jailed for six months for being in possession of a knife in a public place.

Sushil Pal, aged 31, of Henry Road in Slough, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a bladed article in a public place in a hearing at Reading Magistrates’ Court on 7 February.

Returning to the same court last Tuesday 28 February, Pal was given a prison sentence.

At around 10.30am on Monday 6 February, police received a report of a man walking around Montem Lane in possession of a weapon.

Officers located Pal nearby in Bath Road, where he was subjected to a stop and search.

A knife with an eight-inch blade was located and Pal was arrested.

He was charged with the offence the same day and was held in police custody before his court appearance on 7 February.

Investigating officer PC Nick Macchia, based at Slough police station, said: “This case demonstrates Thames Valley Police’s commitment to tackling knife crime through Operation Deter.

“We responded to the report of a man carrying a knife immediately, arrested Pal and he was in before the court within 24 hours.

“He has now been sentenced accordingly for his offending and a dangerous weapon has also been removed from the streets.

“Operation Deter is a robust, zero-tolerance approach to tackling knife crime, and my message to anybody who feels it is acceptable to carrying a knife is simple.

“It is not, in any circumstances, and if you are found in possession, you are very likely to be arrested, charged and remanded to court and face the consequences of your actions.

“This case also demonstrates how important stop and search is to everyday policing.

“We are committed to protecting our communities and we will strive every day to keep public safe.”